Weather Forecast: Humidity and Thunderstorms Return to Chicago Area
Introduction to the Weekend Weather
After a couple of days of cooler temperatures and mostly overcast skies in the Chicago area, humidity and likely thunderstorms are returning to the region to start the weekend. The storms moved through much of the Chicago area in Illinois, and continued in northwest Indiana with brief, local torrential rainfall possible. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for northern LaPorte County, with two-to-four inches of rain having fallen as rainfall continues.
Current Weather Conditions
The warning is in effect until 6:15 p.m., according to the NWS. As thunderstorms approached the area, ground stops were issued at both O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport in Chicago, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Temperatures were already in the upper 70s in the mid-morning hours across the region, with cloudy skies that will likely turn darker as a line of storms approaches the area.
Expected Weather Patterns
The mercury won’t climb much throughout Saturday, with highs likely to top out in the low 80s through the afternoon hours, when thunderstorms are expected. According to the National Weather Service, the line of storms will move east across the northern half of Illinois, with western parts of the state being impacted first, likely between 9 a.m. and noon. The vast majority of the Chicago area is expected to be hit by the line of storms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., in a stretch covering nearly the entire metropolitan area and much of the rural areas to the southwest of the region.
Storm Prediction and Warning
A line of storms is expected to track across the north half of IL late this morning into the afternoon. This line of storms may be in a weakening trend through mid-morning, but begin to re-intensify late this morning. Damaging winds and torrential rainfall will be the main risk. The NWS Storm Prediction Center’s convective outlook assessed damaging winds, hail and torrential rainfall as the primary threats, a 2% chance of a tornado remains in the region for this line of storms.
[2:32 PM 7/19] Showers and isolated storms will continue for a few more hours, mainly across parts of NW Indiana. The main threats will be from periodic lightning strikes and locally/brief torrential rainfall which may lead to flooding of low-lying or flood-prone areas. #INwx pic.twitter.com/7BvUa7wWSM
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 19, 2025
A line of storms is expected to track across the north half of IL late this morning into the afternoon. This line of storms may be in a weakening trend through mid-morning, but begin to re-intensify late this morning. Damaging winds and torrential rainfall will be the main risk. pic.twitter.com/12CMVZ113G
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 19, 2025
[10:41am CDT 7/19] Showers w/embedded storms will continue to progress eastward thru early aftn. Main threats: Cloud to ground lightning strikes & downpours. Any stronger storms may produce localized gusty winds and torrential rainfall with localized flooding. #ILwx #INwx (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Q1Tr7Aorww
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 19, 2025
Additional Weather Forecast
From there, much of northwest Indiana is then expected to be hit by storms from between noon and 4 p.m. Additionally, those south of Interstate 80 could see more storms Saturday evening leading into tomorrow morning. A chance of thunderstorms persists on both Sunday and Monday, though the greatest chances of being impacted by them remains in the southwest parts of the Chicago area. From there, dangerously hot and humid temperatures are likely to return by Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s as heat indices are expected to top 100 degrees. Another round of possible thunderstorms approaches the region next weekend, though hot temperatures are likely to stick around then.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is expected to experience a weekend of humidity and thunderstorms, with a line of storms moving east across the northern half of Illinois. The storms are expected to bring damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall, with a 2% chance of a tornado. It is essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
FAQs
Q: What is the weather forecast for the Chicago area this weekend?
A: The Chicago area is expected to experience a weekend of humidity and thunderstorms, with a line of storms moving east across the northern half of Illinois.
Q: What are the primary threats from the storms?
A: The primary threats from the storms are damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall, with a 2% chance of a tornado.
Q: What is the expected temperature for the weekend?
A: The temperature is expected to be in the low 80s throughout Saturday, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s by Wednesday and Thursday.
Q: Are there any chances of thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday?
A: Yes, there is a chance of thunderstorms on both Sunday and Monday, though the greatest chances of being impacted by them remains in the southwest parts of the Chicago area.
Q: What is the expected weather pattern for next weekend?
A: Another round of possible thunderstorms approaches the region next weekend, though hot temperatures are likely to stick around then.
