The Chicago area is going to get a strong taste of summer on Sunday, but multiple chances of severe weather could loom this week.
Those chances will emerge on both Monday, especially in the afternoon, and then again on Tuesday when a cold front sweeps through the Midwest, dropping temperatures and bringing spring back to the region, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Before those chances of storms arrive however, the Chicago area will see plenty of hazy sunshine and breezy conditions on Sunday, though a stray shower or thunderstorm can’t be ruled out in the afternoon.
High temperatures Sunday are expected to top out in the mid-80s, with some clearing expected later in the day, according to forecast models.
Clouds are expected to slowly build in the area overnight, and by Monday morning widespread showers and thunderstorms could potentially lead to a rainy commute.
Those showers and storms will eventually clear out in the morning, with high temperatures once again rising into the low-to-mid 80s across the area. In the afternoon and evening another chance of showers and storms will emerge, and this time severe weather could be on the table, as the Storm Prediction Center has the entire Chicago area at a “slight” risk of severe storms, the second of five levels of prediction the SPC uses.
Gusty winds appear to be the biggest threat with any severe storms that develop, though there is also a chance of isolated large hail and a non-zero chance of tornado development. Heavy rain could also occur, leading to some localized flooding on low-lying areas and roadways.
Tuesday will again see temperatures in the 80s, but an approaching cold front will also bring with it another chance of showers and thunderstorms, with the entire Chicago area once again at a “slight” risk of severe weather.
All hazards are on the table with those storms, including gusty winds, large hail and tornadoes, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
As the front clears out of the area, temperatures are expected to drop considerably, with highs struggling to reach the low-60s on both Wednesday and Thursday. The cooldown will be fairly short-lived however, as temperatures are expected to get back into the 70s by Friday, and longer-range forecast models are indicating a return to the 80s by next week.
Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest weather updates, and be sure to download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent directly to your phone.
