As the Chicago area remains focused on the impending extreme heat for the coming week, another weather threat is on the horizon—a potential risk of showers and thunderstorms, with some potentially turning severe, expected to arrive midweek.
The Storm Prediction Center warns of an “enhanced” risk of severe weather on Wednesday for parts of northern Indiana. While this risk largely falls outside the NBC 5 viewing area, certain areas within the state, including counties within the NBC 5 viewing area, face a “slight risk.”
Notably, parts of northeastern Illinois, including McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties, are also categorized under “slight risk,” the second of five levels of severe weather probability. Additionally, other areas in northern Illinois, such as DeKalb and LaSalle counties, are at a “marginal” risk.
Forecasters highlight the main threats with any potential storm development to be gusty winds and hail. While there is a chance of tornadoes in northern Indiana, it is anticipated that these would likely remain away from the NBC 5 viewing area.
As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to soar, with Wednesday witnessing readings in the upper-80s to low-to-mid 90s across the region. The heat will intensify further into Thursday and Friday, with some locations experiencing highs approaching the upper-90s. Heat indices are likely to exceed 100 degrees, and there are possibilities of storms reappearing in the forecast on Friday and Saturday.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for relief as the weekend approaches. The forecast indicates that by Sunday, lower humidity and temperatures may bring respite from the scorching conditions.
