Tornado Threat Looms Over Chicago

The Chicago area is bracing for an "enhanced" risk of severe weather in the coming days, with the potential for strong tornadoes and significant flooding. Northern Illinois is under this enhanced risk on Wednesday, and the entire Chicago area is expected to be in the category on Thursday.

Dangerous conditions may include wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, damaging hail, and the threat of tornadoes. The heat and humidity, with temperatures climbing into the low 90s and heat indices nearing 100 degrees, will fuel these potent thunderstorms. Multiple storm rounds are possible through Wednesday afternoon and evening, potentially lasting past midnight.

While northern Illinois faces an enhanced risk, northwest Indiana is under a "slight" risk. A cold front approaching on Thursday could bring another wave of severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain. Damaging wind gusts are also a strong possibility ahead of this front. By Sunday, temperatures are expected to cool into the 70s, offering a pleasant start to the work week.