Severe Storms Could Bring Damaging Winds, Hail To Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Hot and humid conditions are expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, as will the threat for storms, according to the National Weather Service.

Both Wednesday and Thursday will have a high of 90. There will be several periods of storms through the end of the week, with strong to severe weather threats possible Wednesday morning, late Wednesday into Thursday, and Thursday afternoon/evening.

Heat index values in the mid to upper 90s are possible Wednesday and Thursday, but storms could "temper the heat potential," the weather service said.

Storms are possible Wednesday morning for areas near Ottawa and Kankakee, southwest and south of Chicago. Storms will be expected from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For areas closer to Chicago, there is a chance for an additional round of strong storms late Wednesday into Thursday, the weather service said. The greatest severe risk is mostly south of Interstate 80.

The main threats for storms would be damaging winds and hail, and flash flooding.

Additional scattered storms could develop late Thursday afternoon and evening, and again, some storms could be severe.

Temperatures will start to cool on Friday, which has a high of 84 degrees. There is still a chance of storms to close out the week; however, the weekend looks to be dry, according to the current forecast.