Chicago, Illinois – Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms could develop Thursday afternoon, especially along and south of Interstate 80, bringing the risk of damaging winds and hail before the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, arcs of showers and thunderstorms are expected to form and move across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Thursday. The greatest severe weather threat is focused across central Illinois and into northwest Indiana, where a Level 2 risk is outlined near and south of the I-80 corridor.
Cities including Joliet, Kankakee and areas near Gary, Indiana sit closest to the higher threat zone. Storms that intensify could produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, isolated hail and, if instability increases enough, a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Interstate 55, Interstate 57 and Interstate 65 may see rapidly changing conditions during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Farther north toward Chicago, Rockford and Aurora, the threat level is lower but strong storms remain possible. Whether storms reach severe limits will depend on how much instability develops during the day, with temperatures and dew points playing a critical role.
Residents should monitor updates throughout Thursday and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Travel along I-80 and nearby roadways could become hazardous if storms strengthen during peak traffic hours. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence increases Thursday.
