CHICAGO, Ill. — The first notable tornado threat of the season could develop across parts of Illinois Tuesday night as strong storms move through the region.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, conditions are becoming favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening, particularly across central Illinois and areas south of Interstate 80.
Forecasters say storms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes, along with heavy rainfall capable of causing localized flash flooding.
The severe weather risk will depend heavily on the position of a northward-moving warm front, which will determine where the most unstable air develops across the state.
Meteorologists say large hail may be the primary hazard north of the warm front, while areas farther south could experience the full range of severe storm threats, including tornadoes and damaging winds.
The Storm Prediction Center currently places much of central Illinois in a Level 2 to Level 3 severe weather risk, indicating scattered strong storms are possible.
Ahead of the system, spring-like warmth will build Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 60s and 70s in many areas before storms arrive.
A sharp cooldown is expected after the system passes, with temperatures falling into the 40s and 50s Wednesday and colder conditions continuing later in the week.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates and ensure they have a way to receive severe weather alerts Tuesday evening.
The timing could affect evening commuters and students traveling home as storms begin to develop.
