Severe Weather, 100-Degree Heat Index Possible For Illinois

ILLINOIS — Two rounds of severe weather are possible on Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The first round of thunderstorms will move into the area late Thursday, mainly after midnight; and another round of storms is expected Friday afternoon.

The weather service said a few storms may be possible as early as 7 p.m. Thursday for far northern Illinois and the Rockford area, before moving into the Chicago area during the overnight hours. Some storms could be severe with damaging winds up to 65 mph and ping-pong ball sized hail.

Very heavy rain is also expected, which could result in localized flooding, according to the weather service.

The second round of storms is possible after 2 p.m. on Friday, south of Interstate 80.

The chance of storms is prompted by the return of humidity Thursday and Friday, according to the weather service. The high for Thursday is 92 degrees, and 95 degrees on Friday.

Heat indices could get over 100 degrees on Friday afternoon, primarily south of I-80, according to the weather service.

Since severe weather is possible after dark on Thursday, the weather service advised having multiple ways to get weather warnings and alerts.