Chicago weather: Potentially severe storms forecast to bring hail, wind to area along with drastic temperature drop

CHICAGO (WLS) — Meteorologists at ABC7 Chicago are currently monitoring the potential for severe weather conditions expected to develop on Thursday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On Wednesday, the weather was pleasantly mild with temperatures reaching the 60s throughout the Chicago region.

Overnight, while there’s a chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, the majority of areas will likely remain dry, with temperatures slipping into the 50s.

Thursday’s forecast indicates that stormy weather could hit Chicago between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., bringing with it potential severe conditions.

The primary threats from these storms include large hail and strong winds.

A significant drop in temperatures is anticipated as a cold front sweeps through, potentially causing a decrease of 20 to 30 degrees within just a couple of hours in some areas.

On Thursday, fans will pack Wrigley Field for the Cubs home opener against the Washington Nationals and first pitch is at 1:20 p.m.

The game could feature temperature starting in the 60s but then dropping into the low 40s by the last inning, meteorologist Larry Mowry said.

Temperatures will vary across the Chicago area, so meteorologist Jaisol Martinez highly suggests preparing with layers to keep warm.

Most of Cook County is under a Level 2 to 3 out of 5 for risk of severe weather.

There is small risk for a tornado well south of I-80.

Cook County Radar | DuPage County Radar | Will County Radar | Lake County Radar (IL) | Kane County Radar | Northwest Indiana Radar


Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Air Force identifies 8 crew members killed in B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Air Force Identifies Eight Service Members Killed in B-52 Stratofortress Crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Officials on Wednesday released the names of the eight people killed in…
Search underway for suspect after 2 people shot inside Delaware hospital: police

Manhunt Launched After 2 People Shot Inside Delaware Hospital, Police Say

Two people were shot Tuesday at a hospital in Delaware, triggering a…
Mango clothing tycoon’s son named suspect in death of billionaire whose brand stretches across US

Mango Billionaire’s Son Tearfully Told 911 His Father Had Fallen Into a Ravine

A newly released 911 call captures the son of a billionaire fashion…
Chicago family's journey sparks national movement focused on understanding transgender, non-binary youth

Chicago Family’s Story Inspires National Push to Better Understand Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Pride Month is celebrated across the country, one…
A look back at Barack Obama's rise from community organizer to first Black US president ahead of Chicago Obama Center opening

Barack Obama’s Journey From Community Organizer to America’s First Black President, as Chicago’s Obama Center Nears Opening

CHICAGO (WLS) — Barack Obama’s rise from little-known politician to president of…
FDNY deploys 140+ personnel to JFK after Delta flight reported with flat tires on approach to landing

FDNY Sends More Than 140 Personnel to JFK After Delta Flight Reports Flat Tires During Landing Approach

A Delta Air Lines flight arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy…
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady amid resurgent inflation

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady as Inflation Pressures Reemerge

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday as…
Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny

Karmelo Anthony Says He Is Broke as Parents’ Business Records Face Scrutiny

MCKINNEY, Texas – As convicted killer Karmelo Anthony asks for a taxpayer-funded…
Barry Moore Wins Runoff for Tuberville's Senate Seat, Despite a 'Dewey Defeats Truman' Snafu

Barry Moore Secures Tuberville’s Senate Seat in Runoff, Despite Election-Night Reporting Mix-Up

Alabama Republicans headed into a runoff for the U.S. Senate between Rep.…
Palisades Fire suspect hit with new charges in grand jury indictment

Uber Passenger Says Palisades Fire Suspect Gave Off ‘Incel Energy’ During Unsettling Ride

A passenger who says he rode with the man accused of starting…
Senior US officials dictate memorandum with Iran to journalists+

US Officials Quietly Shape Iran Memorandum Through Journalist Briefings

Senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed reporters on the memorandum of understanding…
Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey, Ali Wong to guest star on final season of 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'

Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey and Ali Wong Set to Guest Star in Final Season of ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’

Disney+ has unveiled the lineup of guest stars set to appear in…