by After weeks of scorching heat, the Chicago area’s temperatures will finally drop this week, but not without showers and thunderstorms, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
According to NBC 5 meteorologist Brant Miller, a cluster of thunderstorms will approach Chicago on Wednesday, but the city is on the “fringe of the marginal risk” based on radar and satellite estimates.
Miller described Tuesday’s weather as “the last hurrah, at least for this heat experience.”
Anyone seeking to enjoy the lower temperatures should avoid the lake, as a beach danger advisory will be in force from Wednesday afternoon to Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Here’s what the weather you can expect over the next few days:
Wednesday
- Wednesday’s morning commute is expected to be unaffected by showers and thunderstorms, according to Miller.
- The NWS predicts a consistent temperature of around 76 degrees. Rain is expected after 4 p.m., with thunderstorms also possible.
- According to the NWS, there is an increased danger of flooding and thunderstorms in parts of north central Illinois, northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana.
- The NWS anticipates wind gusts of up to 25 mph and rainfall quantities ranging from a quarter to a half inch.
- “It looks like this is leaning toward more of a wind and heavy rainfall event, but you can’t rule out an outside chance of a tornado,” Miller informed the crowd.
- All Lake Michigan beaches are at high risk of drowning due to the strong winds and heavy rain.
- According to the NWS, a beach hazards bulletin will be issued Wednesday afternoon and will remain in effect until Friday afternoon.
- Large waves of 5 to 8 feet and severe currents are forecast along Lake Michigan beaches, and swimming conditions will be hazardous.
Thunderstorms are expected Wednesday through Thursday morning, with some potentially causing torrential rain and isolated flash floods, according to the NWS.
Thursday
- Thunderstorms are expected before 10 a.m., with showers continuing until 1 p.m., according to the NWS.
- According to the NWS, the day will begin cloudy and then gradually become sunny, with a high of 72 degrees.
Miller predicted some persistent rains in the south suburbs in the afternoon. The beach danger statement will remain in effect throughout Thursday.
Miller predicts lake-effect showers on Friday, but no heavy rainfall.
The NWS anticipates a high around 74 degrees. The beach hazard statement will be in effect until Friday afternoon. According to the NWS, Friday night will be largely clear with a low temperature of around 63 degrees.
