Chicago, Illinois – Strong thunderstorms will hammer parts of northeast Illinois through midnight, bringing the threat of 60 mph winds, torrential rainfall, and localized flooding. The National Weather Service warns the most intense activity will remain southeast of a Mendota-to-Waukegan line, with Cook, Will, DuPage, and Lake counties under a Flood Watch.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered to numerous storms will track northeast at roughly 30 mph, with lightning, gusty winds, and heavy downpours in the shaded risk zone east of I-57. Rainfall rates may quickly overwhelm storm drains, flood low-lying roads, and cause rapid rises in creeks and streams.
Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roadways and seek alternate routes, while residents should secure loose outdoor items and charge devices in case of outages. The evening commute could see delays from water-covered streets and debris from downed tree limbs.
The storm threat will taper overnight, but additional rounds of rain could follow into midweek.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
- Wednesday: Morning showers, highs near 81°F, winds SW 10–15 mph
- Thursday: Partly sunny, highs around 84°F, isolated storms possible
- Friday: Mostly sunny, highs near 85°F
- Saturday: Hot and humid, highs near 88°F, chance of evening storms
- Sunday: Scattered storms, highs around 83°F, humid conditions linger
