As severe weather and tornadoes watch threatened the Central Plains Tuesday morning, waves of strong to severe storms are expected to move into the Chicago area Tuesday afternoon and evening, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, Tuesday is expected to remain a dry day. Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s, with some areas to the south reaching 80 degrees.
However, around 4 p.m., chances of rain were expected, with active weather intensifying between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
During these hours, all of northeastern Illinois will be under a “slight” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level two out of five on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-tier scale. Northwest Indiana will be at “marginal” risk, which ranks as level one out of five.
At that point, “all weather hazards will be in play,” Roman pointed out, including heavy rain, destructive wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or more, large hail and perhaps even a tornado .
“The threat of a tornado is low, but it’s not zero,” Roman added.
According to the National Weather Service, the greatest threat for severe weather occurs after 5 p.m. and is located along and west of I-39.
Around 11 p.m., showers and thunderstorms should move out, Roman said, although the risk of an isolated storm overnight remains. Wednesday morning, more storm risks and the possibility of a return of severe weather conditions, according to forecast models.
“Storms could continue into Wednesday before cooler air arrives for the end of the week and weekend,” Roman said.
Winds are expected to strengthen Wednesday, Roman said, adding that more showers are expected to move in Thursday afternoon.
“It’s an unsettled period of weather over the next few days,” Roman said.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, temperatures on Wednesday will drop to the mid 60s and low 70s. Temperatures are expected to remain below average for the rest of the week and into the weekend, with high temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
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