Chicago’s Weather Challenges: Extreme Heat, Humidity, and Thunderstorms Loom
This week, the Chicago area is grappling with multiple weather challenges, including intense heat, high humidity levels, and the potential for severe storms.
Tuesday Afternoon: An Excessive Heat Warning
An excessive heat warning persists until 10 p.m. Tuesday. With rising dew points expected to reach nearly 80 degrees, heat indices in some areas are predicted to exceed 110 degrees, according to local meteorologists.
As the heat continues to stifle the region, a severe weather alert is also in effect, particularly for McHenry and Lake counties, where a severe thunderstorm watch is issued until 4 p.m. The primary dangers include damaging winds that may reach 60 mph and the possibility of large hail, potentially as large as a quarter.
Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in areas that have experienced drought-like conditions.
Overall Risks for Tuesday
The entire area faces a “slight risk” for severe weather, a designation that ranks it as the second level on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-tier scale. Additionally, air quality alerts are in effect, indicating hazardous conditions for some as there are elevated ozone levels attributed to vehicle emissions and air conditioning units.
Tuesday Night: Potential Evening Storms
Later tonight, additional showers and thunderstorms may form, particularly south of Interstate 80. Meteorologists suggest that these storms may be strong-to-severe, bringing gusty winds and large hail.
Wednesday: A Marginal Risk Persists
The risk for severe weather will linger into Wednesday, particularly in Kankakee County and northern Indiana, where sporadic thunderstorms may occur. While temperatures are expected to cool down to the mid-to-upper 80s, humidity will keep heat indices in the 90s.
Thursday: Scattered Showers Ahead
While temperatures continue to fall from the early week’s peak, scattered showers and storms may occur throughout Thursday. Meteorologists anticipate temperatures will garner levels in the mid-80s.
Labor Day Weekend: More Comfortable Conditions
As the weekend approaches, a final round of scattered showers and storms may pop up on Friday. Nonetheless, temperatures will slowly drop into the low-80s by Sunday and likely into the 70s by Monday. The weekend is projected to stay relatively dry, paving the way for a pleasant Labor Day for residents across Chicago.
