Severe Weather Expected to Hit Chicago Area This Week

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago area is bracing for a significant weather shift with severe storms expected to sweep through by Friday evening. A warm start to the week will be disrupted as windy conditions and cooler temperatures follow a cold front, bringing much-needed rain.

Thursday is forecasted to start dry, with morning temperatures in the upper 50s rising to the low-to-mid 60s by afternoon. While scattered showers may occur later in the day, heavy rainfall is not anticipated, according to NBC 5‘s Storm Team.

As evening approaches, the weather conditions will escalate with potential severe thunderstorms in the forecast. Laura Bannon, the weekday morning meteorologist at CBS2, notes, “Thursday night could present us with strong storms, with gusty winds and small hail being the main threats.” Winds gusting up to 35 mph are expected, especially in the western suburbs.

Friday signifies a dramatic turn, with temperatures expected to soar near 80 degrees, marking it as the warmest day of the year so far. However, the arrival of a cold front will introduce instability in the atmosphere, heightening the risk for severe weather, particularly in areas south and southeast of the city.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, the entire region is currently under a “slight” risk of severe thunderstorms on Friday, which may include damaging hail, gusty winds, and a non-zero chance of tornadoes. “Those who enjoy warm weather should take advantage of it because it won’t last long,” Bannon added.

As the cold front moves in, rain and thunderstorms are likely to persist into early Saturday, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures. Saturday’s highs are projected to only reach the mid-50s, with more scattered showers expected as the rain transitions to a cooler pattern.

Looking ahead to Easter Sunday, widespread showers will dominate the forecast, keeping temperatures in the low to mid-50s. The outlook indicates that while showers should begin to taper off early in the day, cool and gloomy weather is likely to linger into the afternoon. Residents can expect scattered showers to return on Monday, reinforcing the chilly and wet trend.

In summary, Chicagoans should prepare for an unpredictable weather week characterized by warm temperatures, potential severe storms, and a subsequent cool-down with rain as the cold front passes through.