Chicago Weather: Warm Temperatures Followed By Gusty Winds, Possible Hail Thursday Evening
Chicago (CBS) -- A strong storm system is moving out of the Plains and into the Midwest Thursday, bringing a wide range of temperatures and the possibility of strong to severe storms.
To the west, the storm has already prompted Blizzard Warnings, High Wind Warnings or Winter Storm Warnings from the Canadian border to the Mexican Border.
TIMING
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Temperatures will begin to rise dramatically as a warm front moves through and winds kick in from the south. There could be 70s to the south and 40s to the north. Winds will remain breezy. An isolated storm is possible, but not likely.
While a few showers or storms are possible, the better chance will be in the evening. Severe weather begins to move into western parts of the viewing area between 5 and 7 p.m.
THURSDAY EVENING: A line of stronger storms is expected to push through between 8 p.m. and midnight as the cold front pushes in. Ahead of the front, temperatures will approach the mid 60s to near 70 degrees.
Some of these storms may be strong to severe. Heavy rain and isolated hail will accompany the storms and winds of up to 60 miles per hour are possible both ahead of the line and within the storms.
OVERNIGHT: The line of storms may still be moving across NW Indiana, with storms still possible through 2AM. Front moves by and temperatures drop. Rain tapers off overnight.
WATCHES, WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES
As of 1 p.m. Thursday, a Wind Advisory is in place until 8 p.m. for LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, Kankakee, Lake (IN), Porter, Newton and Jasper counties.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning is possible tonight, especially between 7 p.m. and midnight.
An isolated Tornado Warning cannot be ruled out.
SEVERE THREAT
There is a "SLIGHT RISK" of severe storms for portions of eastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. This means there is a threat for some storms to contain gusty winds and hail. While the tornado threat remains lower, it cannot be ruled out.
There is a "MARGINAL RISK" of severe storms for the remainder of the area and the remainder of Illinois.
