Chicago, Illinois – Damaging winds and small hail could strike parts of northern Illinois Tuesday afternoon, with severe storms most likely between 4 and 10 p.m. across areas north and west of Chicago.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the strongest storms Tuesday may produce wind gusts capable of toppling tree limbs and isolated hail, particularly in counties like DeKalb, Rockford, and Dixon. A Level 1 severe weather risk is in place for much of the region, though scattered thunderstorms are expected as far east as Kankakee and Valparaiso.
Another round of potentially more dangerous storms is forecast Wednesday afternoon and evening. Areas like Rockford, Joliet, and parts of northwest Indiana could see heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and even isolated tornadoes. Localized flooding is also possible due to repeated downpours and fast-moving cells. The severe threat level increases to a Level 2–3 (slight to enhanced) across northern and central Illinois.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, especially during the late afternoon commute. Charge devices, move indoors when thunder is heard, and have multiple ways to receive warnings—especially as wind speeds may reach 30–40 mph with northeastward storm movement.
Severe storm risks could linger into Wednesday night. Additional alerts may be issued.
📅 Five-Day Illinois Weather Outlook (Chicago area):
- Tuesday: PM storms (30–60%), high 87–91°F, low 66–69°F
- Wednesday: Scattered severe storms (60–80%), high 77–84°F, low 60–64°F
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, slight rain chance (20%), high 79–84°F
- Friday: Warmer with isolated storms (40%), high 85–88°F
- Saturday: HOT with heat indices >100°F possible, high 91–94°F
