Heat Wave and Thunderstorms to Impact Chicago Area, Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana 8/24

Photo byNational Weather Service

Scattered Thunderstorms Expected This Weekend, Heat Index Over 100°F Early Next Week

Chicago, IL — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:31 AM CDT on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Thunderstorm Risk in Western Areas Tonight

Residents across north-central Illinois, northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana should be aware of the potential for scattered thunderstorms late tonight into Sunday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the highest risk of storms lies around and west of the I-39 corridor, where better atmospheric instability exists.

Although the storms are expected to be isolated, they may bring brief heavy rainfall and lightning to the affected areas. The general storm motion will be toward the southeast at 20 mph.

Excessive Heat Expected Monday and Tuesday

A more significant concern arises at the start of the week, as a stretch of hot and humid weather is forecast to impact the region. Monday and Tuesday will see elevated heat risks, with afternoon heat index values likely exceeding 100°F.

The NWS urges residents to take precautions during this period of excessive heat:

• Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• Seek air-conditioned environments
• Check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those without adequate cooling

Areas in the heat zone include:

• Northern Cook County
• Central Cook County
• Southern Cook County
• Lake County (IN)
• Porter County
• DuPage County
• Kane County

The combination of high temperatures and humidity will increase the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, making it crucial for residents to stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Additional Thunderstorms Possible Later in the Week

The latter half of the week may bring another round of thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday. Although the risk appears limited at this time, conditions can evolve, and residents are advised to monitor weather reports closely.

Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by the NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards. Please follow Thumbwind Publications for more local weather and news updates.