Chicago, Illinois – Damaging wind gusts, lightning, and flash flooding could slam parts of Illinois Saturday afternoon as storms build along the I-80 corridor. South of the metro, travel may become hazardous as repeated downpours develop through Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service, Saturday, July 26th carries an elevated flooding and thunderstorm risk across northeastern Illinois, including a Level 1 of 5 severe storm rating. The biggest threats include torrential rainfall and isolated severe storms from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spotters may be needed, particularly south of I-80, where rain totals could exceed two inches.
Cities like Joliet, Kankakee, and Morris should brace for localized street flooding. Motorists are advised to avoid underpasses and low-lying roads during active storms. Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph could accompany stronger cells.
After a stormy Saturday, muggy and increasingly dangerous heat builds across the region Sunday through Tuesday. Heat index values may exceed 95°F by Monday afternoon in downtown Chicago and suburbs like Cicero and Oak Lawn.
🔥 Five-Day Forecast: Saturday, July 26th – Friday, August 1st
- Saturday: Showers & thunderstorms likely; high near 86°F. Flooding risk south of I-80.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, 30% chance of storms after 1 p.m.; high near 88°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, hot and humid; high near 93°F. Heat advisory may be issued.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy; high near 78°F. Showers possible Tuesday night.
- Wednesday: Chance of storms, mostly sunny; high near 78°F.
⚠️ Next Update: Additional alerts possible by Saturday morning. Stay tuned to NWS Chicago for evolving warnings.
