Warm temperatures, scattered rain and the chance of strong to severe storms loom in the Chicago area on Monday, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the storms are not expected to look anything like what the Chicago area experienced last week, when 11 tornadoes touched down in the state. However, some thunderstorms Monday could be strong, Roman said.
“We're not seeing a severe weather outbreak like last week, but there could be one or two strong to severe storms,” NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
According to Roman, rain chances on Monday do not move until the afternoon. The morning hours start off dry and warm, with above-average temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
Temperatures will continue to rise, with highs in the upper 60s to lows in the 70s, Roman said. According to Roman, these readings are about 30 degrees warmer than average for this time of year.
Skies are expected to remain partly sunny until early afternoon, Roman said. However, by about 1 or 2 p.m., rain and storms will develop in western Illinois, moving east as the day continues.
Heavy rain and storms are expected to move around 4 p.m. into Lake and DuPage counties, Roman said. By 10 p.m., the storms are expected to move into Cook and LaSalle counties, Roman added.
Rain will continue through the night, with scattered showers and storms possible until early Tuesday morning, Roman said.
Hail, strong winds, heavy rain expected; Possible tornado
According to Roman, all of northeastern Illinois is at a “marginal” risk of severe weather, which ranks in the top 5 on the Storm Prediction Center's severe weather scale.
The biggest threats associated with Monday's system are heavy rain, lightning, hail, winds up to 60 mph, and the possibility of a tornado.
“The tornado risk is there, but it is low,” Roman said.
MORE: A statewide tornado drill is scheduled in Illinois this week. Here's what you should know
According to the National Weather Service, most storms are expected to be strong but not severe.
After the storm, temperatures will drop, although readings will still be slightly above average, Roman said. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will range from the upper 40s to lower 50s Tuesday through midweek.
