Chicago, Illinois — Strong thunderstorms could develop across northern Illinois this afternoon, bringing damaging winds and isolated tornado potential.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to move through the region along a cold front between roughly 2 PM and 9 PM Sunday. While scattered storms may develop earlier, forecasters say a more organized line of storms could move across the Chicago area during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
The strongest storms may produce damaging wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs, frequent lightning, and localized heavy downpours, the weather service said in a Sunday update shared on social media.
The Storm Prediction Center also noted that conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for severe storms as warmer and more humid air moves north ahead of the cold front. If storms intensify, forecasters say a brief QLCS tornado could develop within the storm line, particularly later in the afternoon or evening.
Current projections show storms entering northern Illinois between about 4 PM and 6 PM, then shifting east toward northwest Indiana through the early evening.
Officials advise residents to move indoors if thunder is heard and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings in case watches or warnings are issued.
Storm motion may be fast — around 50 mph toward the east-northeast — meaning conditions could change quickly once storms begin to develop.
The timing could affect late afternoon commuters and students heading home, especially if storms intensify near the evening rush hour.
Forecasters say additional updates may be issued as the storm environment continues to develop through the afternoon.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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