The Chicago area could see “slightly” severe weather on Friday, which could disrupt airport and road travel depending on when the storm arrives.
That “slight” risk covers the entire Chicago area and northwestern Indiana, with all types of severe weather threats possible Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
The NBC 5 Storm Team's forecast model predicts a cold front will quickly approach the Chicago area Friday afternoon as many residents head out for the Memorial Day holiday.
According to forecast models, the first round of storms could reach severe levels, bringing damaging winds and hail. According to the SPC, low-level shear in the atmosphere could create conditions for brief tornadoes along the Wisconsin-Illinois border, but the threat of tornadoes remains throughout the region. He says he will.
Further south, damaging wind gusts are also possible, which could impede access on regional highways, especially for tall vehicles.
Thunderstorms may also impact area airports, with ground stops causing aircraft to be stopped at their origins and flights departing from O'Hare and Midway potentially being canceled from mid-afternoon through early evening.
Forecast models say a second wave of showers or storms could arrive in the evening, but are likely to be more dispersed in nature.
Temperatures will drop as the front moves through, with highs Saturday expected to be in the low 70s under partly to mostly sunny skies. Scattered rain and thunderstorms will also be possible Sunday, with those conditions lingering through Monday morning.
High temperatures are expected to settle into the low 70s Fahrenheit on both days, with pleasant weather expected once the sharp cold air mass passes.
All the latest developments, live radar and more can be found on the NBC Chicago app, on TV's NBC 5 Storm Team and on our 24/7 streaming service.
