Chicago, Illinois – Residents across northern Illinois should prepare for an increasingly active stretch of weather this week, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall threatening the Chicago metro area beginning Tuesday and intensifying Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday, and a few of those storms could become severe. The greater concern arrives Wednesday when widespread showers and thunderstorms develop across the region with the potential for all severe weather hazards.
Forecasters warn that damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall and isolated tornadoes are all possible Wednesday. Heavy rain may also lead to localized flooding, particularly in urban areas where storm drains can quickly become overwhelmed during intense downpours.
The threat extends across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties, including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Naperville and Waukegan. Drivers on Interstates 90, 94, 55, 80 and 290 should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, reduced visibility and possible water-covered roadways during the strongest storms.
Tuesday’s storms may provide an early indication of the unstable pattern, but Wednesday remains the day with the highest potential for significant impacts. Residents should review severe weather plans now and ensure phones and weather radios are ready to receive warnings.
Conditions are expected to improve Thursday as the storm system moves east, though additional advisories and watches could be issued before Wednesday’s event unfolds.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois
- Monday: Partly cloudy. High 73-76°. Low 55-59°.
- Tuesday: Breezy with showers and thunderstorms possible. A few severe storms possible. High 73-76°. Low 51-57°.
- Wednesday: Severe thunderstorms possible with torrential rain and flooding concerns. Breezy. High 71-78°. Low 58-64°.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy and breezy. High 72-77°. Low 52-61°.
- Friday: Partly cloudy. High 72-77°. Low 54-62°.
