Chicago forecast: 2 rounds of showers, storms with lightning, heavy downpours, hail possible

Waves of showers and storms were in the Chicago forecast Tuesday, along with a 30-degree temperature drop followed by a “period of active weather” as the work week continues.

As of early Tuesday morning, a line of showers and lightning was passing through counties to the north and west, Live Doppler 5 radar showed.

“We may see that holding tight and passing through Cook County this morning,” Roman said.

Scattered rain was expected to last through about 12 p.m., Roman said, with some heavy downpours possible.

The second wave of rain and storms comes later in the afternoon and through the evening hours, Roman said, as a cold front passing through brings temperatures from 70 degree readings into the 40s.

One or two of those storms could be on the stronger side, Roman said, with a large part of the Chicago area under a “slight” risk of severe weather.

“Really, any storms that we do have not only this morning but this afternoon could contain lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds and small, pea-sized hail,” Roman said, though not all areas will see the same risks.

“It will depend on showers and storms passing through this morning if we could see this regenerate later this afternoon,” Roman said. As the cold front passes through, that will be the trigger.”

Daily chances for rain and storms continues Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures in the 40s Wednesday and rebounding into the 60s by Thursday.