Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Chicago

Chicago residents are preparing for a potential round of severe weather on Thursday afternoon and evening. After a cold and windy Wednesday with temperatures in the upper 30s to mid 40s, a warm front is bringing rain and storms to the region.

Storms Expected to Develop Thursday Afternoon

Showers and storms are expected to continue into the Thursday morning commute. The most significant threat will develop between 3 PM and 9 PM on Thursday, according to forecasts.

Risk Levels and Primary Threats

The Storm Prediction Center has designated Northeast Illinois as a Level 3 Enhanced Risk and Northwest Indiana as a Level 2 Slight Risk for severe weather. The primary concerns are damaging wind gusts and the potential for tornadoes.

Tornado Potential in Northeast Illinois

Northeast Illinois faces the highest risk of tornadoes, with the possibility of large or long-track tornadoes developing Thursday afternoon and evening. Residents are advised to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts and a plan in place should a tornado warning be issued.

Forecast Details for Thursday and Beyond

Aside from the potential for severe storms, Thursday will be mostly cloudy with highs reaching the upper 60s to low 70s. A few stray showers or storms are possible on Friday, with a better chance arriving Friday evening and night, and temperatures in the low to mid 60s.

Weekend Outlook

Rain and storms are expected to continue into Saturday morning before a drying trend develops later in the day, with highs in the lower 60s. Easter Sunday is currently forecast to be dry with highs in the lower 50s.