Chicagoans are bracing for a bout of severe weather after the National Weather Service in Chicago issued multiple warnings of elevated thunderstorm and flooding risks in the area. Today's forecast anticipates showers and thunderstorms mainly before 1pm, with cloudy skies clearing somewhat as temperatures reach a high near 86 degrees. There is a 70% chance of precipitation with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible.

Tonight, the threat of showers and thunderstorms increases, mainly after 4 am. While partly cloudy skies will see a low of around 73 degrees, the Hazardous Weather Outlook has identified an elevated risk for severe thunderstorms, potentially bringing damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph, quarter-size hail, and even a tornado risk. "Spotters may be needed today and again tonight," the Outlook cautions, as storm clusters are expected this morning into the early afternoon, particularly south of a Rochelle to Rensselaer line.

Continuing into the week, Thursday's outlook is not much brighter, with ongoing elevated risks for both flooding and severe thunderstorms. The detailed forecast still puts the chance of precipitation at 60%, alongside predictions of continued stormy weather past midnight. According to an update from NWS Chicago, "An additional round of strong to severe storms are possible very late tonight, likely after midnight."

The threat extends to Lake Michigan's shores as well, with an elevated risk for thunderstorm wind gusts reaching up to 50 knots, as per the Hazardous Weather Outlook. Chicago residents on or near the water, including those on the Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters of Lake Michigan, should proceed with caution. Moving through to the weekend, the weather is expected to calm down, with forecasts anticipating a sunny Saturday and a return to mostly sunny skies on Monday and Tuesday, after the tempest of midweek passes.