Chicago area could face strong-to-severe storms, colder temps this week

The Chicago area has seen temperatures soar into the 60s multiple times this week, but another spring weather staple could be in the forecast.

That’s because a low-pressure system rolling through the Chicago area could produce showers and thunderstorms on Thursday, with some strong-to-severe thunderstorms possible.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, most of the Chicago area is at a “marginal” risk of severe weather on Thursday, primarily south of Interstate 88.

The main threats with any strong thunderstorms that develop would be gusty winds, with gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour possible.

There is also a non-zero tornado risk, especially in areas south of Interstate 80, and there is also a possibility of hail with any storms that develop.

According to forecast models, the main event for those thunderstorms could end up being south of the area, impacting central and southern Illinois and Indiana.

Those thunderstorms are expected to arrive in the early afternoon, with high temperatures in the upper-50s and low-60s across the area, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Overnight lows Thursday and into Friday are expected to drop into the 30s, and things will be significantly cooler to end the work week, with highs only rising into the low-to-mid 40s, according to forecast models.

There is also an outside chance of lingering showers or even snow flurries on Friday.

Highs will then dip into the 30s for several days, with readings likely sticking around their seasonal averages into early next week, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team on Thursday for all the latest updates, and download the NBC Chicago app for real-time weather alerts sent directly to your phone.