The city of Chicago is bracing for an onslaught of severe weather, as forecasters warn of an imminent threat posed by thunderstorms and potentially hazardous conditions throughout the week. The National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook today that included several northern Illinois counties and parts of northwest Indiana in the warning zone.
Today Chicagoans will see sunny skies with the temperature hovering near 54 degrees, but it's what lurking ahead that concerns meteorologists. Winds are expected to pick up, reaching up to 11 mph with gusts as much as 18 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight's conditions remain mostly clear, though the winds will maintain their pace.
Friday's forecast calls for showers at 1 pm with a substantial 80% chance of precipitation. The weekend does not offer much reprieve as thunderstorms are likely to strike, particularly after 1 am Saturday, with the likelihood of showers and breezy conditions carrying through to Sunday. The high temperatures will reach into the 70s and 80s, which is a stark contrast against the backdrop of potentially severe weather. The recent post by NWS Chicago underscores the pattern of active weather, including the possibility of severe thunderstorms through Wednesday evening.
While the immediate focus of weather hazards includes thunderstorms with associated risks like tornadoes, hail up to half dollar size, and damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, Chicago residents will also need to stay vigilant. Scattered thunderstorms will likely redevelop this afternoon, some of which could be strong to severe, reports the National Weather Service and the "spotters may be needed" plainly indicate the potential for these conditions to quickly deteriorate.
The looming storms also spell trouble for mariners, as hazardous conditions for small craft and an elevated risk for waterspouts on Lake Michigan have been flagged by the National Weather Service. The general storm motion is expected to be northeast at a rapid 50 mph, bringing a cascade of challenges for those on the water and the shoreline communities.
In summary, Chicago faces a turbulent week weather-wise, with thunderstorms and severe weather threats taking center stage. Residents and visitors alike are advised to keep abreast of updates and heed warnings as this dynamic spring weather pattern unfolds.
