Severe Weather Threatens Chicago Area This Week
At least two rounds of strong-to-severe storms could pummel the Chicago area this week, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, threatening the region with heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and even the chance for tornadoes.
The forecast comes hours after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down Sunday in parts of northwest Indiana, leaving thousands without power. Less than two weeks earlier, an EF-1 tornado blew through Gary, ripping the roof off a school gymnasium.
First Round of Severe Weather
The first chance for severe weather comes Tuesday night, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Iisha Scott said. The daytime hours, however, will be sunny, dry and breezy, Scott said, with highs in the 40s.
Showers are expected to begin developing after 7 p.m., Scott said, with some rumbles of thunder possible. Multiple rounds of scattered rain and strong-to-severe thunderstorms will continue into early Wednesday, Scott added.
As the storms pick up, the entire Chicago area overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning will be at a “marginal” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level one of five. According to the NWS, the greatest weather threats that could come with the first round are large hail, gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
Waves of showers and storms are expected late tonight into Wednesday morning. It might be a good idea to get to bed early if you are a light sleeper! Main hazards include hail up to 1″, frequent lightning, and gusty winds (severe threat level 1 of 5). #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/PY3oy2OpjQ
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 1, 2025
Second Round of Severe Weather
Periods of showers and storms will continue into the day Wednesday, Scott said. While there will be breaks in the rain at times, the chance for severe weather becomes greater late Wednesday morning through evening, Scott said, with “all weather hazards at play.”
At that time, the entire Chicago area will be at an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level three of five.
“Gusty, damaging winds, heavy rain, hail and even tornadoes are all possible,” Scott said, of Wednesday’s weather threats.
She also warned of “45 mile per hour wind gusts outside of the thunderstorms.”
Severe weather remains a possibility on Wednesday across the area (threat level 3 of 5) including all hazards: damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes! Similar to Sunday’s severe weather there remains forecast uncertainty due to possible morning storms. Stay tuned! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/z48KaRy6oA
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 1, 2025
Timing and Temperature
According to the NWS, Wednesday’s waves of thunderstorms can be expected between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Morning storms could impact whether afternoon and even storms turn severe, the NWS said.
The active spring pattern will also bring a roller coaster of temperatures, with highs in the 40s Tuesday, followed by temperatures nearing 70 on Wednesday. Thursday, temperatures will dip back down into the 50s.
The next chance for rain comes late Friday into Saturday, Scott said.
Conclusion
The Chicago area is expected to experience severe weather this week, with two rounds of strong-to-severe storms predicted. Residents are advised to stay tuned for updates and to be prepared for heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes. With the active spring pattern, temperatures will also be fluctuating, bringing a roller coaster of weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the predicted weather for Tuesday?
A: The daytime hours on Tuesday will be sunny, dry, and breezy, with highs in the 40s. Showers are expected to develop after 7 p.m., with some rumbles of thunder possible.
Q: What is the predicted weather for Wednesday?
A: Periods of showers and storms will continue into the day Wednesday, with the chance for severe weather becoming greater late Wednesday morning through evening. The entire Chicago area will be at an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level three of five.
Q: What are the predicted temperatures for the week?
A: The active spring pattern will bring a roller coaster of temperatures, with highs in the 40s Tuesday, followed by temperatures nearing 70 on Wednesday. Thursday, temperatures will dip back down into the 50s.
Q: What is the next chance for rain?
A: The next chance for rain comes late Friday into Saturday, according to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Iisha Scott.
