Strong Storms To Hit Chicago Area As Temps Drop

The Chicago area’s recent streak of mostly dry weather appears to be ending, with showers expected to begin Thursday afternoon and continue intermittently through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures will remain relatively warm until Sunday, when a “strong fall storm system” moves through the region, bringing cooler air and gusty winds. Before the temperature drop, highs will reach 73°F on Thursday, 80°F on Friday, and 77°F on Saturday. By Sunday, temperatures will fall to around 60°F, accompanied by blustery conditions.\

A few showers may develop Thursday afternoon and return early Friday morning, primarily north of Interstate 80, the weather service noted.

“Most areas will stay dry,” the weather service said.

Rain is possible again late Friday, through midday on Sunday. A chance of thunderstorms is possible during this time, too, the weather service said.

AccuWeather forecasted a risk of severe weather on Saturday, spreading across several regions of the country, including central Illinois and central Indiana.

“We have highlighted an area where there is a moderate risk of severe weather from central Arkansas to southwestern Illinois, including part of central Missouri,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. “This means more frequent severe thunderstorms are expected in this zone, with the potential for a few tornadoes.”

Here’s a closer look at the weekend weather forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70°F. Southeast wind at 5 to 10 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55°F. East-southeast wind at 5 to 10 mph.

FRIDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 75°F. South wind at 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62°F. South wind at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph.

SATURDAY: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72°F. Southwest wind at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 48°F. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

SUNDAY: A 50% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 58°F. Breezy conditions expected.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 42°F.

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