The Chicago area is bracing for a week of steamy and stormy weather, with temperatures soaring into the 90s on Tuesday. The NBC 5 Storm Team highlighted the potential for thunderstorms and issued an air quality alert for certain regions, particularly in northern Indiana, due to elevated ozone levels.
Tuesday kicked off with warm and dry conditions, already hitting the mid-70s in the morning, and escalating to the mid-80s and low 90s by late afternoon, exacerbated by muggy weather that could make it feel even hotter. The meteorologist, Alicia Roman, noted that the storm risk would rise as the day progressed, especially after 3 p.m., with the possibility of severe weather rolling in from the western counties.
The forecast indicates that storms developing later in the day could be quite intense, with gusty winds, small hail, and heavy downpours. The National Weather Service has issued a warning that localized flooding could occur from torrential rains. By Wednesday, the severe weather threat continues, with all of Chicago under a “slight” risk level, indicating increased chances for strong thunderstorms, including damaging winds and the potential for brief tornadoes.
Following the stormy weather, a cold front is expected to sweep through, cooling temperatures back to the low 80s, but summer conditions are poised to return as we approach the weekend, with highs expected to reach the low to mid-90s once again, potentially feeling as hot as 100 degrees.
This tumultuous weather pattern serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of spring, but there’s hope that once these storms pass, Chicago will settle into a classic summer warmth. Staying updated with local forecasts will be essential for residents as they navigate the anticipated weather changes.