Severe weather risk raised for most of Chicagoland Wednesday

Published June 24, 2026 10:10 AM CDT

An increased severe weather risk now includes most of Chicagoland and northwest Indiana on Wednesday.

What we know:

Initially, only Lake, McHenry, Kane and DeKalb counties were included in the Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk.

However, just before noon, the Storm Prediction Center expanded the risk area to cover all of Chicagoland and northwest Indiana.

All severe weather hazards are possible, including tornadoes. However, the primary threats are damaging straight-line winds and periods of heavy rain.

FOX Chicago weather models show scattered thunderstorms beginning to develop around 3 p.m. in the far northwest suburbs before moving across Chicagoland and exiting the area between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Hot and humid

What's next:

High temperatures could climb above 90 degrees next week, while heat index values may exceed 100 degrees for several days in a row.

The Source: The information in this story came from the Storm Prediction Center and the National Weather Service.

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