Even though widespread thunderstorm development isn’t expected Monday, there is still a possibility of the formation of “landspout” tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions are favorable for the development of funnel clouds in some parts of the Chicago area, and some of those funnel clouds could become so-called “landspout” tornadoes, especially in areas to the west and southwest of the city.
The primary focus of the threat would be on areas in DeKalb, LaSalle, Kendall and Grundy counties, according to an alert from the National Weather Service.
So what is a “landspout” tornado?
According to the National Weather Service, landspout tornadoes differ from standard tornadoes because they are not associated with supercell thunderstorms, and they also don’t form in conjunction with wall clouds.
As a result, landspouts are typically weak and short-lived, and generally cause little-to-no damage, according to the NWS. However, if a landspout stays on the ground for a longer period of time, there is a possibility of some minor damage, according to experts.
While there is a chance of some scattered showers and thunderstorms Monday, the greater threat for severe weather exists as the week moves along. The entire Chicago area is at a “marginal” risk of severe weather on Tuesday, and that threat will grow on Wednesday and especially on Thursday, with all severe weather hazards on the table for the region.
Those storm chances will be accompanied by temperatures soaring into the 90s, with dewpoints in the 70s potentially pushing heat indices above 100 degrees.
A cooldown is expected after Thursday’s storms, with highs retreating into the 70s by the weekend, according to extended forecast models.
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