Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Southern Wisconsin
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of southern Wisconsin Friday morning as a severe weather threat looms over the Chicago area later in the day. The watch was in effect through 11 a.m. Friday and covers 15 Wisconsin counties, including Kenosha in the Chicago area.
Weather Forecast for Friday
According to NBC Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, Friday was expected to start out dry, though a system moving into south-central Wisconsin could clip the far northern counties around 10 a.m. “This could bring a shower or isolated thunderstorm later this morning,” Roman said, with rain chances picking back up beginning around 2 p.m. for some.
Winds are expected to pick up at that time too, Roman said, with gusts upwards of 40 miles per hour for much of the area. Afternoon is also when the Chicago area will see its warmest temperatures, with readings topping 80 degrees for most parts. Some areas to the south and west could see even warmer readings, including Kankakee, where a high of 84 degrees is expected, Roman said.
Temperature Variations Across the Region
To the north, temperatures will remain slightly cooler, Roman said, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. This variation in temperature across the region is due to the movement of the weather system, which is expected to bring different conditions to different areas.
Showers and Storms in the Evening
Showers and storm chances ramp up late Friday, Roman said, particularly between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Overnight, storm chances continue, with the greatest risk of storms expected to the south and east. The National Weather Service has warned that any storms that develop during this time may be severe, with damaging winds and large hail being the primary concerns.
Here’s a look at the two primary windows and areas for thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow evening. Any storm tonight and tomorrow may be severe with damaging winds and damaging hail. Have multiple ways to get warning information! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/63IBdapqXo
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 17, 2025
Risk of Severe Weather
During that time, the entire Chicago area will be at a “slight” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level two of five on the Storm Prediction Center’s scale. The greatest threats with any storms that do develop will be gusty winds and large, damaging hail, the National Weather Service said. “There is also the potential for locally damaging winds and perhaps a tornado, especially if thunderstorms become more widespread and are able to organize into a line,” the NWS added.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of southern Wisconsin, and the Chicago area can expect severe weather later in the day. It is essential to stay informed about the weather conditions and have multiple ways to receive warning information. The National Weather Service has warned of the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes, so it is crucial to be prepared and take necessary precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a severe thunderstorm watch?
A: A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean that severe weather is imminent, but rather that the conditions are ripe for it to occur.
Q: What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
A: A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, while a warning is issued when severe weather is imminent or already occurring.
Q: How can I stay informed about the weather?
A: You can stay informed about the weather by checking the National Weather Service website, signing up for emergency alerts, and following local news and weather reports.
Q: What should I do if a tornado warning is issued for my area?
A: If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately in a basement or storm cellar. If no underground shelter is available, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors.
