Chicago, Illinois – A surge of spring storms threatens to disrupt the start of the week across Chicago and northern Illinois, with severe thunderstorms set to target the I-55 corridor Monday night. Residents should prepare for powerful winds, lightning, and heavy rain as a cold front sweeps through the region—bring loose items indoors and monitor alerts closely.
According to the National Weather Service, Monday night brings a Level 3 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk, especially for communities southeast of Chicago, including sections of Will and Cook Counties. Winds could gust up to 30 mph and thunderstorms may trigger downpours and scattered power outages. The most dangerous conditions are expected along and southeast of I-55, making travel hazardous. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary driving after 7 p.m. and to keep mobile devices charged in case of outages.
Tuesday offers a brief reprieve, but another round of storms could redevelop, mainly before 10 a.m. in Chicago and outlying suburbs. Temperatures will soar into the mid-70s, but breezy, unsettled weather continues through Tuesday evening. By midweek, cooler air moves in, with rain showers possible late Wednesday and Thursday.
5-Day Chicago Weather Preview:
- Monday: Breezy, high near 79°F. Thunderstorm risk rises after sunset.
- Monday Night: Severe thunderstorms possible. Windy, low around 65°F.
- Tuesday: Showers and storms in the morning, high near 75°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with showers, high of 53°F.
- Thursday: Continued showers, high near 66°F.
