The Chicago area is bracing for severe weather, including possible tornadoes, as temperatures soared into the 90s with high humidity on Wednesday. The NBC 5 Storm Team indicated that the initial signs of severe weather will begin overnight with scattered showers and thunderstorms moving toward the region.
The Storm Prediction Center identifies a marginal risk of severe storms, particularly in areas west of Interstate 57, encompassing counties such as McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, and Grundy. As dawn approaches, residents may wake up to rain and occasional thunder.
As the day progresses, the risk of severe weather increases to a “slight” level for most of the Chicago area, with expectations of wind gusts surpassing 60 miles per hour and potential hail. The atmospheric conditions could also lead to tornado formation, prompting residents to stay vigilant throughout the afternoon.
In neighboring Indiana, areas including Newton, Jasper, and LaPorte counties face an elevated “enhanced” risk of severe storms, primarily in the late afternoon and early evening according to forecast models.
Following the storms, scattered showers may linger into Thursday morning before clearing, although there remains a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms that afternoon. Most severe weather threats, however, will concentrate on parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, with northern Illinois experiencing a marginal risk.
As temperatures rise again, the forecast predicts that highs could reach the mid-to-upper 90s over the weekend, with heat indices potentially topping 100 degrees. The heat may persist through Monday, with overnight lows in the mid-to-upper 70s, offering little relief for those without air conditioning.
In response to the anticipated heat wave, the city of Chicago is set to activate emergency cooling centers, providing residents a place to escape the sweltering conditions. A full list of locations will be available on the OEMC website.
As we navigate these challenging weather conditions, it’s essential to stay informed. Tune in to the NBC 5 Storm Team for ongoing updates and consider downloading the NBC Chicago app for personalized weather alerts to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe.