Sustained summer weather is finally forecast for Chicago and a warmth-filled week awaits, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.
But if severe weather materializes Tuesday night, Chicagoans could once again find themselves dealing with wacky weather, wondering: “What the hail?”
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Forecasters were warning northern Illinois residents to “stay weather aware” Tuesday night as “a conditional threat for severe weather exists,” according to the weather service. Despite otherwise seasonally-appropriate conditions, meteorologists aren’t calling for warm summer showers and heat thunder. If adverse weather materializes, it could mean hail as large as 1.5 inches in diameter, plus winds stronger than 70 mph.
“Thunderstorms are not a guarantee,” meteorologists said. “However, if they form, they’ll likely pack a punch.”
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Forecasters said severe weather would begin closest to the Wisconsin state line early in the evening, should it develop.
Areas such as Boone, McHenry and Lake counties could be affected as early as 7 p.m. or so, according to the weather service. The system would move south over time, potentially reaching the northern part of DeKalb, Kane, DuPage and Cook counties after approximately 9 p.m. and eventually reaching the southern metro area — LaSalle, Kendall and Will counties — around roughly 11 p.m. or later.
Times are approximate and depend on several factors aligning, but if there is severe weather, it likely would pass through the area by 2 a.m. Wednesday, forecasters said.
The daytime high temperature is expected to approach the 90-degree mark every day this workweek although Wednesday, which should be the warmest day, is the only day the temperature will cross that threshold. But it should be sunny and at least 85 degrees each day through Friday.
Meteorologists warn “cooler weather is on tap to arrive this weekend.”
By Saturday the temperature could drop into the upper 50s overnight and the daytime high isn’t expected to top 75 degrees. There is a 40% chance of precipitation, which could come in the form of scattered showers or thunderstorms.
For more on the forecast, visit the Tribune’s weather page.
