Severe Weather Alert in Chicago
CHICAGO – Wednesday is definitely a day to be “weather ready” in the Chicago area.
There will be a significant outbreak of severe storms over a large portion of the country, but there are still some question marks regarding impacts locally.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Live Weather Updates
Fox 32 meteorologists have you covered with what to expect today. All updates are in central time.
12:44 p.m. – Enhanced Risk shifts to the southeast
Fox 32 Chief Meteorologist Emily Wahls says an enhanced risk of severe weather has shifted to the southeast, but all of the Chicago viewing remains at risk of strong winds and tornadoes.
12:31 p.m. – Ground Stop at O’Hare
The FAA has issued a group stop at O’Hare International Airport until 12:45 p.m. due to thunderstorms in the Chicago area.
12:24 p.m. – NWS gives update on storm severity
The National Weather Service says strong to severe weather will impact the Chicago area from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, but the threat has diminished for some parts of northern Illinois.
12:10 p.m. – Flood Advisory announced
A flood advisory is in effect for the southern half of Cook County, and most of Will County and Lake County, Indiana, until 4:45 p.m.
10:50 a.m. – Ground Delay issued for O’Hare Airport
The FAA issued a ground delay until 8:59 p.m. CT for O’Hare International Airport due to Wednesday’s thunderstorms. Average departure delays to O’Hare are about 101 minutes, while departures from O’Hare are delayed an average of 90 minutes and increasing. Tap here for the latest details.
10:13 a.m. – Departure delays at Midway Airport
The FAA announced departure delays averaging 60 minutes and increasing at Midway Airport due to thunderstorms passing through the Chicago area on Wednesday. Tap here for the latest updates.
Wednesday Weather Outlook
What we know:
Thunderstorms are expected to increase later Wednesday morning, bringing the potential for heavy downpours and possibly small hail.
Occasional showers and thunderstorms are likely throughout the afternoon as a warm front surges north through our area. Temperatures will rapidly climb well into the 60s and that will contribute to instability in the atmosphere. The question is, will there be enough of that to overcome the negating influence of earlier showers and storms in the area.
We remain for the most part in a level three out of five risk for severe storms with all hazards in play. Prime time for any stronger storms would be late afternoon into the early evening if they occur. There are computer models which keep all the severe weather southeast of our viewing area.
After whatever storms are done this evening, it will remain quite windy with temperatures dropping into the low 40s late tonight.
Timeline:
The National Weather Service in Chicago released an approximate timeline of Wednesday’s storms.
Through 10 a.m. – Expect frequent lightning, small hail and gusty winds of as much as 50 mph.
Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – A line of storms will move across the Chicago area. Wind gusts will increase to as much as 60 mph, and hail as big as 1-inch may fall in some areas.
1 p.m. through 7 p.m. – The main severe weather threat is anticipated during this window, with all threats possible. It’s still uncertain how far north these threats will pose.
(National Weather Service Chicago / X)
Future Forecast
What’s next:
Thursday will be partly sunny with a few rain showers possible, especially south of I 80 late in the day. Highs will be in the upper 50s.
The weather for the Cubs game on Friday looks dry but chilly. At the ballpark, temperatures will likely stay in the mid 40s, but inland locations should get past 50 degrees.
Over the weekend, rain returns on Saturday with Sunday looking like a dry day. Highs on both days won’t be far from 50 degrees.
What you can do:
Have ways to get severe weather alerts!
If you haven’t already done so, you can download our FOX 32 Weather App. This app will send you severe weather alerts to let you know if a warning has been issued for your location.
Fox 32 Chief Meteorologist Emily Wahls also shows you how to get alerts if you have an Apple iPhone.
The Source: The Fox 32 Weather team of Emily Wahls, Mike Caplan, and Kaitlin Cody contributed to this report.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather alert in Chicago is a significant concern, and residents should take necessary precautions to stay safe. With the potential for heavy downpours, small hail, and strong winds, it’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather forecast for Chicago?
A: The current weather forecast for Chicago is calling for severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, small hail, and strong winds.
Q: What is the best way to stay informed about severe weather alerts?
A: The best way to stay informed about severe weather alerts is to download the FOX 32 Weather App, which will send you severe weather alerts to let you know if a warning has been issued for your location.
Q: What should I do in case of a tornado warning?
A: In case of a tornado warning, 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.
Q: How long will the severe weather last?
A: The severe weather is expected to last throughout the day, with the main severe weather threat anticipated between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
