Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois faces multiple chances for thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday, with forecasters warning that Tuesday afternoon currently carries the greatest potential for severe storms capable of producing hail and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, scattered showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to develop early Monday morning, mainly before noon. The highest coverage Monday morning is expected northwest of the Fox Valley and near the Interstate 55 and Interstate 57 corridors between roughly 8 a.m. and midday.
While Monday morning storms are not expected to be widespread severe weather events, they could still produce gusty winds, lightning, and localized heavy downpours. Forecasters say the amount of storm activity Monday morning will play a major role in determining whether stronger storms redevelop later Monday afternoon and evening.
If storms are able to reform Monday afternoon, isolated severe storms could develop with damaging wind gusts and hail up to quarter size. However, confidence in Monday afternoon storm redevelopment remains lower at this time.
The more organized severe weather potential appears to arrive Tuesday afternoon and evening as a cold front moves into Illinois. Current forecast models show the strongest storm threat shifting farther south and east across the Chicago metro, Joliet, Kankakee, northwest Indiana, and portions of central Illinois.
Damaging winds remain the primary concern Tuesday, but hail up to quarter size is also possible with stronger storms. The National Weather Service currently places much of northern Illinois under a Level 2 severe weather risk Tuesday, indicating scattered severe storms may develop.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor forecasts Monday night into Tuesday and ensure weather alerts are enabled ahead of potential severe weather.
