After a brief respite from the heat on Sunday, the coming days could feel downright summer-like in the Chicago area, with multiple chances of strong to severe thunderstorms.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, several rounds of thunderstorms could impact the area Monday and Tuesday, while high temperatures on those days could reach the mid-80s.
Here’s what you need to know.
Sunday
After temperatures in the 80s on Saturday, values will be slightly cooler on Sunday, with highs in the upper 70s across much of the region.
Readings will be cooler near Lake Michigan, where the mercury will likely stabilize around 70 degrees, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
There is an outside risk of isolated showers developing in areas south of Interstate 80 as a front sits just south of the Kankakee River Valley. An isolated thunderstorm may also occur late in the afternoon and evening.
Monday morning
A change will appear in the forecast Monday as winds change, blowing from the southwest and bringing warm and humid conditions to the Chicago area.
High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s, and additional humidity is expected to push heat indexes near 90 degrees in the region, according to forecast models.
The temperature record won’t be threatened in Chicago, with that mark sitting at 95 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Monday afternoon/evening
A “marginal” risk of severe thunderstorms will exist in the afternoon and evening, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Any storms that develop could produce heavy rain, with the risk of gusty winds the main threat. There is also a non-zero risk of isolated tornadoes or large hail, according to the SPC.
Tuesday morning
The weather will be hot and humid again during the day Tuesday, with highs again in the mid-80s and heat indexes rising to 90 degrees or higher across the region.
Although record temperatures are not expected at this time, the daily record for Chicago is 92 degrees, meaning any change in the forecast could mean a chance to set a new benchmark, according to the NBC 5 Storm team.
Tuesday afternoon/evening
Uncertainty exists over the arrival of a cold front sweeping through the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, but a higher risk of severe weather exists in the Chicago area Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Most of the area will be at “slight” risk, a notch above the “marginal” risk seen Monday, but parts of DeKalb and LaSalle counties could be at “heightened risk” of severe storms , according to SPC forecasts.
Any strong to severe storm that develops is expected to have heavy rain and gusty winds as the primary threats, according to forecast models.
If the front arrives more slowly, it will only reach the Chicago area overnight, reducing the likelihood of a severe weather outbreak due to insufficient heating of the area.
Wednesday
Temperatures are expected to drop to more seasonal levels, with highs in the mid to upper 70s across the region. There is a chance of morning showers, but most of the day will likely feature partly to mostly sunny skies.
NBC Chicago
