Storms Set to Hit Northern Illinois This Afternoon

A swift spring storm is on its way, packing a mix of heat and chill for northern Illinois. By mid‑afternoon temperatures may climb into the 70s, even touching low 80s just before a cold front rushes through. Once the front arrives, the heat will snap back to the 40s and 50s, with even cooler spots near Lake Michigan. The biggest danger is between about 3 p. m. and 9 p. m. , especially around and south of I‑80. Thunderstorms could start to form in the early afternoon and linger into the night as the front pushes south. Weather officials say conditions favor strong to severe storms, with hail and wind posing the main risks. Hail sizes could reach 1–2 inches in diameter, while rare isolated storms might drop larger than 2‑inch hailstones. Wind gusts could hit or exceed 60 miles per hour in the strongest cells, enough to snap branches and cause localized damage. Although tornado chances are low, the atmosphere is unstable enough for powerful supercells that might merge into a line, raising wind hazards.Even after the front passes, more storms may roll in during the evening, especially south of the Kankakee River. Rainfall could add 1–2 inches in those areas, making roads slick and adding to the wet conditions. Once the front is gone, north‑facing winds will pick up, sometimes blowing over 40 miles per hour. The effect is a windy, chilly evening, particularly close to Lake Michigan. Friday’s weather will be noticeably cooler. High temperatures are expected in the low to mid‑40s, dropping even lower near the lake. A gradual warming is forecast for the weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the 70s early next week.