Chicago, Illinois – Unusual summer skies could draw eyes upward across northeastern Illinois today as funnel clouds become possible through early evening, particularly in counties like Will, Kankakee, Grundy, and LaSalle.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the atmosphere over the region is conducive to forming weak, short-lived funnel clouds. These funnels generally extend only a few hundred feet from the cloud base, spin briefly like tops, and often dissipate within minutes. Most remain harmless and never touch down.
The statement, issued Friday morning, emphasizes that while damaging tornadoes are not expected under these conditions, a rare funnel may briefly reach the ground. If so, minimal damage would be likely, but the potential still warrants caution.
Communities including Joliet, Plainfield, Kankakee, Morris, and Ottawa are under the statement until at least 7 p.m. Residents should move indoors if skies darken or funnels appear nearby.
The NWS continues to monitor conditions, with updates expected later today if activity increases.
