Illinois, July 31, 2024 – A round of severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep through Illinois late tonight, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a severe weather alert for areas south of I-80. Residents in these areas should prepare for damaging winds and quarter-sized hail as storms develop after midnight and continue into early Thursday morning.
According to the NWS Chicago office, the greatest risk lies in regions south of Interstate 80, encompassing cities such as Kankakee and Joliet. These storms may bring down tree limbs, fences, and other outdoor structures due to strong winds. Quarter-sized hail could also cause damage to vehicles and homes.
The weather today will be partly cloudy with a high of 89°F. Thunderstorms are expected to begin around 2 p.m., with chances increasing into the late evening. The storm threat will intensify after midnight, so residents are advised to monitor weather updates closely and take precautions.
Thursday will bring continued stormy conditions with a high of 86°F and a 75% chance of rain. The weather is expected to clear by Saturday, with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80s. However, another round of storms could develop early next week, keeping Illinoisans on alert.
