Chicagoans can expect hot temperatures, humid air and storms to hit the city Wednesday.
Possibly severe storms may bring frequent lightning, soaking downpours and damaging winds to the metro area this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Heat indices could rise to 100 degrees.
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The storms will start along the Wisconsin-Illinois state line west of Rockford this morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Petr said.
“As the front sags to the south, we’ll expect expanding storm coverage into the metro,” Petr said.
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The peak window for the storm to hit Chicago is from noon to around 5 p.m., Petr added. Folks should look out for lightning and strong winds capable of downing large tree limbs and fences. Rain could pond up roads and lead to localized flash flooding, Petr said.
“The big thing for today is to have multiple sources to be able to get warning information,” Petr added.
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Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s. Heat indices — the way the heat feels on the body — are expected to hit 100 degrees Wednesday because of humidity.
“It’s going to be hot and muggy out there today,” Petr said.
The city should cool off Thursday, with temperatures in the lower to mid-80s. The winds that will bring down temperatures along the lakeshore might also build waves along southern Lake Michigan’s beaches.
“We’re expecting hazardous swimming conditions along the shoreline there,” Petr said.
Temperatures should remain in the low- to mid-80s Friday before warming into the lower 90s again Saturday and Sunday, with a potential for showers and thunderstorms Sunday.
jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter: @jakesheridan_
