Strong Storms To Hit Chicago Area As Temps Drop

The Chicago area's stretch of mostly dry weather seems to be coming to an end, as showers are possible starting Thursday afternoon, and then on-and-off through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures will stay fairly warm, until Sunday, when a "strong fall storm system" will affect the Chicago area, the weather service said. Before the cool-down, Thursday will have a high of 73, Friday a high of 80, and Saturday a high of 77. Sunday will have a high of 60, as well as blustery winds.

The weather service said a few showers are possible Thursday afternoon, and again early Friday morning, mainly for north of Interstate 80.

"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 predicted a risk of severe weather on Saturday, extending into several parts 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," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "This means there are likely to be more numerous severe thunderstorms in this zone and there is also the possibility of a few tornadoes."

Here is a more detailed look at the weather through this weekend, per the weather service:

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

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

FRIDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

SATURDAY: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

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

SUNDAY: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.

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