Cool changes coming to the Chicago area

CHICAGO (CBS) — The coolest temperatures in over two weeks blow in overnight and Thursday behind a cold front. 

Gusty north winds 20-30 mph will produce wind-driven waves on the lakeshore reaching three to seven feet, so a Beach Hazard Statement is in effect through Thursday afternoon.

CBS 2 is tracking a storm system that will arrive late this week and into the weekend. Few showers are expected late Friday, but more widespread thunderstorms may affect outdoor plans Saturday morning. Sunshine and pleasant weather return on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

While the Fourth of July holiday weekend is still beyond the range of precise weather forecasts, the First Alert Weather Team is seeing consistent signals that we can sometimes expect a stormy go of it.

After a dry, sunny start next week, an active weather pattern is expected to return starting Tuesday. Periods of rain and thunderstorms appear likely through Thursday and Friday, the 4th and 5th of July.

Current computer model suggestions indicate the potential of a drier second half of the holiday weekend, which could be good news for outdoor plans on Saturday and Sunday.

Stay with CBS News Chicago as the holiday approaches for new forecast data.