Current Weather Situation
A powerful storm system brought severe weather to the Chicago area late Tuesday afternoon, resulting in large hail, damaging winds, and significant rainfall. The Storm Prediction Center has placed southern portions of the Chicagoland area under a Moderate Risk for severe weather, which is Level 4 out of 5.
A severe storm threat looms late into the night Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, with a Flood Watch remaining in effect through 3 a.m. for much of the area. Widespread flooding is considered ‘likely’ in the Chicago area this evening, and the ongoing threat of severe storms brings potential for hail and tornadoes.
Forecast and Expected Developments
Storms could begin sometime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and are expected to linger into early tomorrow. The risk of a tornado is described as ‘significantly lesser’ in the metro area, but a ‘decent amount’ of rainfall and some hail is likely in parts of the city.
Kevin Doom, a meteorologist, stated, “We could still see some relatively stronger, probably more scattered, thunderstorm coverage through the overnight, but it looks like the primary severe threat into the city is probably going to wrap up around midnight or shortly thereafter.” This indicates that while the severe weather may diminish later in the night, the potential for storms persists.
Temperature Outlook
As the storm system moves through, temperatures in the Chicago area are expected to fluctuate. The high temperature for Wednesday is forecasted to be 42 degrees, with a low of 30 degrees. Following this, Thursday is expected to see a high of 48 degrees and a low of 40 degrees, while Friday will bring a high of 49 degrees and a low of 30 degrees. By Saturday, temperatures are projected to reach a high of 44 degrees with a low of 37 degrees.
A combination of cooling temperatures in the 40s throughout the metro area and warming temperatures close to 80 degrees south of Interstate 80 is expected to create clashing air masses that will bring the worst of the storm south of the interstate, including the threat of tornadoes.
Details remain unconfirmed as the situation continues to develop, and residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for changing weather conditions.
