“Several rounds” of rain and storms could make for a challenging weather weekend in the Chicago area as temperatures warm.
The stormy pattern comes amid a more summer-like stretch of temperatures.
“Temperatures in the 80s, humidity increases and so will the chances for storms,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
The National Weather Service said the “warmer, more humid, and stormier pattern” could continue “through early next week.”
“Some storms may be severe in the region at times,” the NWS warned.
While many hours are expected to stay dry, the chance for storms begins late Friday and into Saturday morning.
The line of storms developing in Iowa will make its way into northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Friday evening, and though they will weaken as they move into the area, “a few strong to severe storms will be possible,” the NWS reported, adding that areas west of the Fox Valley could see gusty winds and hail.
“Scattered showers and a few storms move into Chicago by 4-5 a.m.,” Roman said.
Some could arrive earlier for far western counties, however.
Hail of up to 2 inches in diameter could be possible into Wisconsin, the NWS warned, with parts of Illinois under a “marginal” risk for severe weather, a level one out of five.
“Some heavy rain and hail may be possible with this round,” Roman said.
The storms are expected to move out of the region by the late morning hours Saturday, offering a break just before the next round comes in around 6 p.m.
“Some of these storms could again be strong with heavy rain, gusty winds and small hail. These will be more of the scattered variety – so not everyone will see them,” Roman said.
Another round of storms is possible on Sunday, mainly north of Interstate 88, and again on Monday.
