High Wind Warning Issued, 60 MPH Gusts Possible Wednesday

ILLINOIS — Not only will Wednesday bring potentially record-breaking warmth, but there is also an increasing threat of damaging winds, according to the National Weather Service.

A high of 68 degrees is possible Wednesday, the weather service said. There is also a chance of showers during the day Wednesday, and likely showers and possibly a thunderstorm late Wednesday.

The weather service has issued a high wind warning for DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and parts of Cook counties, which is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday.

A wind advisory is also in place for Will, Grundy and southern Cook counties.

Non-thunderstorm winds over 60 mph are expected Wednesday night for most of the Chicago area, with up to 50 mph gusts possible for areas south of Chicago, according to the weather service.

The weather service said the increasing threat for damaging winds will happen between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. Winds will be between 30 and 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.

The weather service said damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are possible. Travel may also be hazardous for high-profile vehicles.

After the very mild temperatures on Wednesday, temps will drop for the rest of the week, and will return to seasonable temperatures in the 30s by the weekend, the weather service said.