NBC 5 Storm Team said Chicago is forecasting a greater chance of strong to severe storms and extreme heat and humidity Monday after issuing tornado and thunderstorm warnings for the evening.
“Storms like we saw last night are definitely going to have a serious impact,” said NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman.
Sunday night's storm downed some trees and power lines, and several areas remained without power Monday morning. As of 7 a.m., more than 15,000 customers were without power, according to ComEd's outage map.
In Chicago, a fallen tree blocked a southbound lane of DuSable Lake Shore Drive at Jackson Avenue.
Strong to severe weather is more likely
Roman said that while Monday is expected to be dry during the day, another round of strong to severe storms could move in from the west starting around 5 p.m., with the potential for an isolated storm in the area around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. Small.
Roman said the storm will likely start in the far west of the state. By around 8 or 9 p.m., these storms are expected to move into the Chicago area.
The risk of severe weather for the Chicago area is “enhanced” Monday, ranking at level three out of five on the Storm Prediction Center's severe weather scale, according to the National Weather Service. The biggest threat from Monday's storm is damaging winds. However, large hail and tornadoes are also possible, the warning said.
In addition, “heavy downpours” may cause flash flooding,” the alert said.
Roman said the storm is expected to move into northwest Indiana around 10 p.m. and is expected to end around 1 p.m.
High temperature warning in effect
Monday will also be a hot day, Roman said, with temperatures reaching the 90s and heat indexes even higher.
“Most locations are in the mid-90s,” Roman said. “It's tolerable. What's not tolerable is the extreme humidity,” Roman said.
Monday is expected to be between 70 and 75 degrees, based on the Rome dew point. These high humidity levels can result in “feeling” temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees. Heat indexes are expected to be highest in areas west and southeast of Chicago.
Chicago opens cooling centers on Monday, it feels like temperatures could be close to 110 degrees
A heat warning will be issued for DeKalb, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, North Will and Kankakee counties starting at 8 a.m., the NWS said in the alert.
“High temperatures and high humidity may lead to heat stroke,” the alert said. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors.”
The warning was scheduled to expire at 7 p.m. Monday, NWS reported.
You can find the complete weather forecast for the Chicago area this week here.
