Severe storms possible in Chicago area next week. Here’s what to watch for

An active weather pattern is poised to move across the country next week, bringing a chance of strong thunderstorms to the Chicago area.

Right now, the highest chance of severe weather appears to be Tuesday evening through the day Wednesday. We’ll be able to narrow down the timing as we closer.

Beginning Sunday, the jet stream ridges far to the north across the eastern two thirds of the country, while the jet dips to the south across the California coast. This means a significant warmup for Chicago, and a spike in humidity, for the first few days of the week.

The Chicago area could reach 80 degrees Monday and Tuesday. That spike in warmth and humidity may sound great, but it could also be setting the stage for stronger storms as the trough in the jet stream moves through the Plains Monday to Wednesday.

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted areas that could see severe weather across the Plains through the Great Lakes from Sunday through Wednesday night.

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