Weather Alert: Soggy and Gusty Conditions Expected on Election Day
Bringing an umbrella might be a good idea for voters heading to the polls on Election Day, with continued soggy conditions and gusty winds throughout the majority of the Chicago area.
Persistent Rain and Strong Winds
Persistent rain throughout the daytime will be accompanied by strong and gusty southerly winds, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour across Chicago and northern counties — and even higher gusts elsewhere. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory for Grundy, Kankakee, southern Cook, and Will counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana, warning of gusts up to 45 miles per hour from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Gusty Winds and Heavy Rain
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages are possible, according to the NWS. Low temperatures will be unusually warm for this time of year, as southwest winds pump in mild air — causing only a slight drop in temperatures to the low 60s.
Heavy Rainfall Expected
The heaviest rain will occur before the most intense winds arrive. Widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to produce 1 to 2 inches across most of the area in the overnight hours, with the heaviest rain likely around midnight. Some areas might receive heavy rain that could create localized flooding, the NWS stated. More rain will occur at times in the daytime hours — with less intensity than overnight — before clearing out in the late afternoon, according to NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Pete Sack.
Flooding and Power Outages Possible
When all is said and done, local amounts of between 2 to 5 inches of rainfall are possible, according to meteorologists. Heavy rainfall could flood roads, low-lying areas, fields, and cause rapid rises on streams and creeks, the NWS stated.
Weather Forecast:
Weather
A Quieter Week Ahead
Everything will likely be much quieter once Tuesday is in the books; clear conditions and sunshine are on top for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday. It won’t be as warm, however, with temperatures slightly cooler in the upper 50s, compared to the upper 60s on Tuesday. Despite the cooler weather, conditions will still be warmer than usual for this time of year, Sack said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected rainfall amount?
A: Local amounts of between 2 to 5 inches of rainfall are possible.
Q: What is the expected temperature range?
A: Temperatures will be in the upper 50s.
Q: Are there any other weather concerns?
A: Yes, gusty winds and heavy rain could cause power outages and flooding.
Q: What is the expected weather for the rest of the week?
A: Clear conditions and sunshine are expected for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday.
