Chicago, IL weather forecast today: Severe storms possible with high winds, tornado risk

CHICAGO (WLS) — The weather forecast for the Chicago region on Thursday suggests an afternoon filled with potentially severe conditions, including the possibility of tornadoes.

The majority of the Chicago area faces a Level 3 risk of severe weather, while Northwest Indiana and certain parts of Illinois bordering Indiana are under a Level 2 risk.

According to Tracy Butler, an ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist, there is a 10 percent tornado risk for some parts of the region.

Butler noted that the early afternoon might experience a brief reprieve before the primary threat of severe weather emerges between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Additionally, Wind Advisories are set to begin in the afternoon, with expected wind gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour.

In light of the predicted weather, the Chicago White Sox have postponed their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, originally scheduled for Thursday, as announced on Wednesday.

The 2026 White Sox home opener will be moved to 1:10 p.m. Friday.

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

All tickets for Thursday’s postponed game, including prepaid parking passes, Stadium Club passes, Ballpark Pass tickets and patio tickets, are good for admission to Friday’s rescheduled game at Rate Field.

Temperatures are expected to warm back up Thursday — around 70.

Rain is expected early Thursday and storms later.

There will be some storms after 11 p.m. Wednesday. They could continue into the morning commute; flooding is the main concern.

Most of the Chicago area is at a Level 3 risk for severe weather.

There will be a chance for strong storms from noon to 4 p.m.

There will also be a chance for severe weather from 4 to 9 p.m. The tornado threat is higher for the second storm window.

The main tornado threat is along and west of Interstate 39.

There are additional storm chances in the evening Friday and Saturday morning.

Storms swept through the Chicago area on Tuesday, bringing high winds and hail and impacting air travel.

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