Weather
Stormy July 4 Weather: Here's When Storms, 70 MPH Winds Could Hit IL
The Chicago area could see two rounds of storms on Independence Day, bringing flood risk, hail and damaging winds up to 70 mph.
ILLINOIS — Heavy rain, flash flooding, hail and damaging winds of up to 70 mph could disrupt plans for July 4 fireworks shows on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, Tuesday could start off with dangerous heat — and a heat index of up to 110 degrees — before a "pneumonia front" brings a 20-degree temperature drop.
AccuWeather is calling for a high of 89 degrees Monday with a "real feel" of 95 degrees, along with the potential for severe storms late in the afternoon through late Monday night.
When storms could hit
The threat for isolated severe thunderstorms is from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, and then again from 11 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
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The potential for severe storms is greater late Monday night, NWS said.
With most July 4 fireworks shows scheduled for 9 or 9:30 p.m., that means some could happen, but you should check with the town or organization hosting the fireworks before heading out.
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
July 4th 2022: Find Fireworks In Illinois
Weather threats
However, Monday's possible storms could bring hail up to 1 inch in diameter, plus winds of up to 70 mph, capable of downing tree limbs and fences.
Heavy rain and flash flooding are also possible, which could flood roads, low-lying areas, fields and basements. If you encounter road flooding, remember — turn around, don't drown, and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
Late Monday night could also bring the greatest chance of flooding.
Chances of rain and storms are greater closer to the Wisconsin border and slightly less south of I-80.
Dangerous heat coming Tuesday
After a stormy Monday, dangerous heat with heat index values of 100 to 110 degrees are possible Tuesday.
However, a "pneumonia front" is expected to come in off the lake Tuesday afternoon or evening, with a "near-instant" 20-degree temperature drop.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday also bring a chance of more severe thunderstorms, with a chain of rain on Friday, the NWS said.
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