Rain Expected Ahead Of Of Blackhawks Parade; Scattered Storms Possible For Rally

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As Blackhawks fans flock downtown for the big Stanley Cup victory party, they'll want to keep some rain gear handy, as heavy rain was bearing down on the city just ahead of the parade downtown.

A small but strong cell of storms was moving east through Illinois early Thursday, likely hitting downtown Chicago around 8:30 a.m., just when many fans will be lining downtown streets for the 10 a.m. parade.

Development of other showers and storms could continue after that rain moves through, so those attending the Blackhawks parade and rally should have umbrellas or raincoats ready.

Scattered showers are likely late Thursday morning and through Thursday afternoon, before skies clear for most of the area by Thursday evening.

The temperature will reach a high in the low 80s, so it will also be quite muggy for the big Blackhawks celebration.

It will be much cooler and drier on Friday, with a high of only about 69, and virtually no chance of rain.

Temperatures will return to the mid 80s on Saturday, and conditions will be dry virtually all day, but chances of rain will fire up again Saturday night, and continue on Sunday and Monday, before clearing for the middle of next week.