Chicago, IL – Severe thunderstorms are likely to sweep through northern Illinois Sunday afternoon, bringing threats of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential return of snow early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the highest threat for severe weather is expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday, especially for areas south of I-80, including Kankakee, Bloomington, and Peoria. However, the entire region, including the Chicago metro area and Rockford, remains under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms.
Saturday may see scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, but severe weather is not expected until Sunday. Temperatures will plummet from the 60s and 70s over the weekend to highs in the 40s by Monday. Overnight lows could dip below freezing across much of the region.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Light snow may mix with rain early Monday, particularly north of I-88, including Rockford and the northwest suburbs of Chicago. More widespread wintry precipitation is possible again by Wednesday.
Officials urge residents to monitor weather alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Be ready for power outages, travel delays, and the return of winter hazards by early next week.
