A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for a wide swath of the Chicago area through 7 p.m., the National Weather Service said, covering Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for several parts of Illinois and Indiana, with reports of quarter-sized hail and winds up to 60 mph.
Live updates
– 7:10 p.m. – Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Rochelle, Hillcrest and Malta, valid until 8:00 p.m. CDT
– 6:47 p.m. – Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Lowell, Rensselaer and Roselawn in Indiana, valid until 7:30 p.m. CDT
– 5:39 p.m. – Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Joliet, Tinley Park and Chicago Heights, valid until 6:30 p.m. CDT
– 5:13 p.m. – Flash Flood Warning including Naperville, Downers Grove and Woodridge, valid until 7:30 p.m. CDT
What to expect
Temperatures in much of the Chicago area will climb into the 90s today, with the heat feeling even hotter due to high humidity. The heat index could top 100 degrees in many areas, and in some southern suburbs it might approach 110 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an Elevated Excessive Heat Risk, particularly south of Interstate 80. Temperatures in the lower 90s are roughly 10 degrees above seasonal norms, continuing a hot, muggy trend for mid-late summer. There is a chance of additional showers and thunderstorms overnight.
What’s next
Sunday is expected to bring cooler conditions, with high temperatures in the low 80s. After that brief relief, another round of heat is forecast for Monday, with a good chance of showers to start the work week.
Photos and videos from the storms show the impact as severe weather moved through Illinois and Indiana, and there are reports of power outages in the Chicago area.
Safety tips and added context
– If you’re under a severe thunderstorm warning, seek shelter indoors away from windows and avoid using corded phones or electrical appliances.
– Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or trusted local outlets for the latest warnings and pit stops in safety plans.
– Stay hydrated and take care around heat-exposed individuals, especially the elderly and those without air conditioning.
– After the storms pass, check for downed power lines and avoid flooded roadways if there’s standing water.
Overall takeaway
The region faces active storm development and dangerous heat in the short term, with multiple warnings in effect and a likely cooldown Monday after Sunday’s cooler end to the weekend. Stay weather-aware, heed official updates, and plan outdoor activities with the forecast in mind.