Weather

As Hurricane Helene barrels toward Florida, a local volunteer is preparing to be deployed with the American Red Cross to help in recovery efforts after it makes landfall.

Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall along the Florida Big Bend on Thursday evening. It's also expected to impact major cities including Atlanta, Nashville and St. Louis.

Helene strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday and is expected to strengthen further – potentially becoming a major hurricane – before making landfall over Florida on Thursday. Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, torrential rain, and flooding are possible.

Chicago will be sunny and warm today with highs not far from 80 degrees. It will be cooler by the lake.

This is your Wednesday Chicago forecast:

As the Category 1 hurricane formed Wednesday morning, it unleashed its fury in the Caribbean as its destructive eye is now set on the Florida coast with a life-threatening landfall expected on Thursday. The NHC said that the storm would bring "life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rains" as it heads toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.

As the weather cools this fall, it's a great time to ensure your fireplace is clean and ready for use.

Tropical Storm Helene is nearing hurricane strength just offshore of the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula toward the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). It's expected to become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday.

Today, Chicago will end up with clearing skies and warmer temps with highs in the mid 70s away from the lake.

This is your Tuesday Chicago forecast: