The Chicago area could see several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms in the coming days, with high winds, heavy rain and even isolated tornadoes possible.
These threats will begin to emerge Thursday morning and continue through at least Friday evening, with more showers still possible Saturday as a slow-moving system impacts the region.
Here’s what you can expect in the coming days.
Wednesday evening
After a dry, warm day with highs in the 80s and 85s in the area, showers will slowly begin to hit the Chicago area through midnight, according to forecast models.
Thursday morning
As dawn approaches, showers will become more frequent across the region and as the morning rush hour arrives, widespread showers and thunderstorms will be possible.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the Chicago area will see a “slight” risk of severe storms Thursday morning. The main threat will be wind gusts, which could reach 60 mph at times. Heavy rain is also possible, as well as limited risks of hail and isolated tornadoes.
These showers and thunderstorms should dissipate before noon, giving way to a brief period of clear skies.
Thursday afternoon
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon, with high temperatures around 80 degrees across much of the region.
Thursday evening/Friday morning
A further round of showers and thunderstorms is expected late Thursday night and Friday morning, with another threat of severe weather on the horizon.
Once again, the main threats will be damaging wind gusts and heavy rain, with limited hail risks and an isolated tornado risk in the region.
Friday afternoon
Isolated showers are possible in the afternoon, with high temperatures reaching 80 to 85 degrees across the region, according to forecast models.
Friday evening
Showers are increasing again and thunderstorms are also developing. While the Chicago area will only be exposed to a “marginal” risk of severe weather, there is still a possibility of high winds and heavy rain, with showers and thunderstorms persisting late into the evening.
SATURDAY
Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Ernesto could impact the speed of the storm system moving out of the Chicago area, slowing it down and allowing it to continue bombarding the region with rain.
While there is no risk of severe thunderstorms in the region at this time, it is possible that showers could persist through late Saturday or even Sunday, adding more rain to an already soggy territory in the region.
