Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — In addition to a heat advisory, the National Weather Service has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Chicago area until 10 p.m. Tuesday. The watch is in effect for Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago counties.

Severe weather is possible Tuesday evening, after a scorching day when heat index values of 110 degrees were reached in some areas. A heat advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Chicago area.

Thunderstorms developing across eastern Iowa will track across the Chicago area Tuesday evening, according to the weather service. Storms will be capable of producing winds strong enough to uproot trees, damaging hail, torrential downpours, and brief tornadoes.

The primary threat for storms will be between 6 and 11 p.m., the weather service said.

More storms could develop after midnight and produce torrential downpours with a flash flooding threat, the weather service said. Those storms are most likely south of Interstate 80.

Stay safe in extreme heat

The NWS urges residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities and to minimize sun exposure. You should stay hydrated with frequent breaks in air conditioning.

To keep yourself safe in extreme heat, ready.gov advises:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Watch for heat illness.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.