Severe Storms Possible, Temps Could Hit 80 Degrees In Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Isolated severe storms are possible Wednesday afternoon for the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures will warm up on Wednesday, when a warm front sets up across northern Illinois, close to Interstate 88/Interstate 290. Areas to the south could see 80s, 60s to the north, and 50 degrees near the Illinois lakefront, according to the weather service.

The weather service said isolated severe storms are possible from Interstate 80 and north.

The chance of storms will increase after midnight, especially west of a Crystal Lake to Peru line. Some storms could have strong wind gusts, the weather service said.

AccuWeather gave a high of 79 degrees for Joliet, and "a thunderstorm in spots late this afternoon" could happen in that area.

Better storm chances are possible on Thursday, which also has a high of 80 degrees, according to the weather service.

A period or two of thunderstorms are expected on Thursday and Thursday evening. If temperatures warm into the 70s or even 80s, then storms could be strong to severe, the weather service said.

According to AccuWeather, Joliet has a high of 75 forecasted for Thursday, and storms could bring "hail and damaging winds." The private forecaster gave a 53 percent probability for thunderstorms.