Chicago, IL – Strong winds and potential severe thunderstorms are expected to impact Illinois on Friday and Saturday, prompting weather advisories across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Wind Advisory has been issued for Friday afternoon and evening, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The advisory covers multiple counties, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Lake, and residents are urged to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages.
In addition to strong winds, severe thunderstorms are possible Friday night. The storms are expected to develop over Missouri and Iowa before moving quickly east, impacting Illinois between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Areas in central and western Illinois face the highest threat of severe weather, including damaging winds.
By Saturday, another round of strong winds is likely, with peak gusts potentially reaching 60 mph. A High Wind Watch is in effect from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for areas including Chicago, Rockford, and Kankakee. The increased fire danger due to dry conditions and strong winds could make outdoor burning hazardous.
