Severe Weather Possible, Flash Flood Watch For Cook, DuPage

ILLINOIS — Severe weather is possible Wednesday afternoon for the Chicago area as a cold front moves in, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms are possible from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, and there could be damaging winds, heavy downpours and frequent lightning. The weather service said a few strong to severe storms are possible.

It will be warm and humid on Wednesday before storms arrive. Temps could reach the low 90s, but after the cold front moves through, temps will cool and the high for Thursday is 80 degrees.

A flash flood watch has been issued for Cook and DuPage counties until 9 p.m. Wednesday, due to the possible excessive rainfall. It could rain up to 1 to 2 inches per hour due to the high atmospheric moisture content, the weather service said.

Soil moisture is still elevated from the recent heavy rain, and some flood storage reservoirs are still nearly full, according to the weather service. Central Cook County has the highest threat of flash flooding if heavy storms do occur.

There is a small chance of storms on Thursday, and storms could return over the weekend as well.