Multiple waves of severe storms could bring a slew of weather threats to the Chicago area, including tornadoes, over the next several hours.
The first round is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon, with additional rounds expected through Thursday as temperatures reach unseasonably high levels.
Some areas will see a greater threat than others — and each round will bring its own level of severity.
Here’s what to expect:
Wednesday afternoon
The first round of storms is set to move into the region around 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Nearly the entire Chicago area, with the exception of some far southern Illinois counties and parts of northwest Indiana, is under an “enhanced” risk for severe storms, a level three out of five.
This wave is expected to last until around 7 p.m., threatening to bring damaging winds strong enough to down trees and potentially cause structural damage. Gusts of up to 75 mph are possible, and while the threat for tornadoes remains low, it is still present.
“Tree limbs could come down, fences could come down, but also also locally destructive winds. That means it’s structural. So those winds could definitely do some damage to some structures,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. “A brief spin up tornado cannot be ruled out either.”
Temperatures are expected to climb again on Wednesday, rising into the low-90s as heat indices push upward to nearly 100 degrees, according to forecast models.
Wednesday evening
A second round of storms is possible between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday, though the risk for severe hazards remains uncertain.
“Another [line] could build in later on this evening after 9 p.m. This may stay across our far southern counties as we head toward midnight and then that will gradually fade,” Roman said.
Thursday morning
Showers and storms will taper heading into Thursday morning and, after a quiet start to the day, temperatures and humidity are once again expected to soar, with highs in the 90s and heat indices once again threatening triple-digits across the area.
Thursday afternoon and evening
The heat and humidity will provide plenty of fuel for potential thunderstorms, but this time, an approaching cold front could bring the threat of severe weather to the Chicago area, with tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain once again possible. There is also a strong possibility that damaging wind gusts could emerge out ahead of the approaching cold front, posing a serious severe weather risk Thursday afternoon.
In fact, the entire Chicago area, including northern Illinois and northern Indiana, will be at an “enhanced” risk of severe weather Thursday.
The greatest risk looks to be between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., Roman said.
“All weather hazards will be possible,” she said. “Flash flooding to tornadoes, maybe one or two strong tornadoes into the evening hours, especially on Thursday.”
Friday and beyond
Once Thursday’s storms clear out, temperatures are expected to cool and humidity levels are expected to drop, though the Chicago area could again see a storm threat on Saturday evening.
By Sunday, high temperatures are expected to drop back into the 70s, making for a mostly pleasant start to the new work week.
Be sure to stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest weather information, and download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent directly to your phone in the event of severe weather.
