Severe Storms Likely As Temperatures Plunge In Chicago Area

Severe thunderstorms and rain showers are likely to hit the Chicago area Thursday afternoon, as temperatures are expected to plummet from the 60s to the 40s, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The 20-degree drop in temperatures could bring winds of up to 60 mph and damaging hail as large as to 2 inches in diameter.

A few storms are expected to hit as early as 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. NWS forecasts the severe weather threat will take place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with storms easing up around 8 p.m.

The high wins could cause tree limbs to fall and may produce "very large" hail capable of denting cars, NWS cautions.

Temperatures are expected to hit a low of 31 degrees Thursday night, bringing chilly weather Friday.

Friday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 40 and a low of 28 degrees heading into the weekend. Northerly winds could reach gusts of up to 25 mph.

Sunny skies are expected to stick around for Saturday, with a high of around 50 degrees forecasted. On Saturday night, the low is expected to be around 39 degrees.

Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies, and also promises a return warmer weather. Highs are expected to hover around 60 degrees. On Sunday night, NWS predicts a low of 49 degrees.

Temperatures are likely to stay warmer during the start of next week, with Monday calling for more sunny weather and a high forecasted to be 69 degrees.