Chicago, IL – A surge of unseasonable warmth is setting the stage for potentially severe thunderstorms across northern Illinois, with the greatest risk arriving by Tuesday evening and impacting the Chicago metro area.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, temperatures will climb into the 70s and near 80 degrees Monday and Tuesday, fueling instability ahead of an approaching cold front. The first round of scattered storms may develop late Monday night into early Tuesday morning, mainly near and north of the I-88 corridor.
Storm coverage and intensity are expected to increase Tuesday afternoon into the evening, when stronger storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and frequent lightning. Areas including Chicago, Rockford, and Elgin may see the most significant impacts during the late-day commute along I-90, I-94, and I-290.
Residents should prepare now by securing outdoor items, monitoring alerts, and planning for possible delays Tuesday evening. Charging devices and identifying safe shelter locations can help reduce risk if warnings are issued.
Cooler air moves in quickly by Wednesday, dropping highs into the 40s and 50s as breezy conditions return. Additional watches or warnings are likely as Tuesday’s severe weather threat becomes more defined.
