Chicago residents may want to keep their umbrellas close and weather radios on as the city braces for a series of thunderstorms with potential severe weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service's forecast, there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon, with gusts that could reach as high as 35 mph.
Tonight could get particularly rough. As reported by the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL, "Isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop as early as this afternoon with coverage increasing tonight." The NWS also warns of a limited tornado risk, adding to the potential for hail up to quarter size and damaging winds up to 60 mph. Residents can expect mostly cloudy skies with lows around 61 and the chance of precipitation ramping up to 70 percent, carrying new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
The tempestuous weather is anticipated to continue into the week, with the NWS predicting showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before Sunday afternoon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. By Sunday night, chances of precipitation will have climbed to 80 percent, suggesting a wet end to the weekend.
Boaters should also exercise caution, as hazardous conditions are expected on the Illinois and Indiana nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. The NWS advises elevated thunderstorm risks including a limited threat of hail and wind gusts up to 50 knots. For landlubbers, early next week has a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday. By Tuesday, however, the skies should clear, setting the stage for sunny weather with highs near 72 degrees.
Widespread showers and storms are expected tonight. A few storms could be strong to severe, mainly west of the Fox River, with damaging winds as the primary threat. Locally heavy rainfall may also lead to minor flooding in some spots. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/U1IYYxT5Zc
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 27, 2024
But while Chicago gears up for the downpour, today's nearly 80-degree heat serves as an unseasonal reminder of summer in springtime. The NWS Chicago took to X, saying, "Today will feel more like June than late April with high temperatures approaching 80 degrees amidst summer-like humidity." Along with the heat, the city should brace itself for "periodic chances for rain and thunderstorms" that will roil through the region up until early next week.
