Severe Weather Rolling Through Overnight

Cold front could spark thunderstorms, will bring big temperature drop

Tired of the heat? 

Get ready for a big change.

A cold front rolling through the Chicago area will spark scattered thunderstorms -- possibly some severe -- in the overnight hours.

Temperatures are expected to dive as many as 30 degrees.  Don't expect temperatures to get higher than the low 70s on Thursday.

For many, the change will be welcome after two days of scorching hot weather.  Temperatures reached the mid-90s Wednesday, with the heat index surpassing 100. The June 8 record high temperature of 97 degrees, set in 1933, will remain on the books.

Chicago's official Tuesday high -- 96 degrees -- was just one degree shy of beating a heat record set the same year. Still, it was the warmest the area has felt since Aug. 1, 2006, when the mercury hit 99 degrees.

The potentially dangerous heat prompted warnings from the city's Department of Emergency Management about staying hydrated and checking on senior neighbors.

"Extreme heat and humidity is more than just an inconvenience," Chicago Health Commissioner Bechara Choucair said during a press conference Tuesday. "It is dangerous and in some cases can be deadly."

Chicago residents are urged to call 311 for assistance in case of emergency and to find cooling center locations, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Heat was blamed Wednesday morning for a blown-off manhole cover at Sheridan and Balmoral. ComEd crews were working to cover the hole, while police redirected traffic. 

Photos | Share Your Photos | Forecast |
Traffic | Airports | Metra | CTA | Chicago OEMC

Contact Us