Chicagoans are advised to keep umbrellas at the ready and watch out for severe weather conditions, as the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL has issued a warning for heightened thunderstorm risks today and tonight. The forecast suggests a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 pm today, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 83 degrees, according to weather.gov. However, the wind might pick up, gusting as high as 20 mph.
As per the same source, tonight's chances for showers and thunderstorms increase to 40 percent, primarily before 1 am. Potentially severe weather looms over the City, with an "Elevated Thunderstorm Risk" featuring possible hail up to quarter size and damaging wind gusts that could hit 65 mph. Additionally, there is a warning for limited flooding risk. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across northern Illinois this afternoon, with the possibility of them spreading into northwest Indiana by the evening. These conditions are likely to persist into Tuesday, bringing a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms mainly after 1 pm and a slight cooldown with a high near 84.
An advisory issued by the National Weather Service cautions of a "Limited Thunderstorm Risk" stretching on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night into Wednesday morning that could include heavy downpours and possibly a thunderstorm. After a turbulent midweek, conditions are expected to clear up with mostly sunny weather and high temperatures settling in the mid-70s towards the weekend.
The National Weather Service Chicago has informed through a post that showers and thunderstorms are on tap today, first in the late morning through early afternoon across Northern Illinois. Then another set of scattered storms, some possibly severe and capable of localized flash flooding, are mainly expected northwest of Interstate 55 in the late afternoon. Lake navigators should exercise caution as well, as limited hail and wind gusts up to 55 knots could affect the Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Chicagoans are urged to remain vigilant and be prepared for hazardous weather conditions throughout this period.
