Spring’s latest powerhouse storm system hits the Chicago area with a one-two punch in the next two days—impressive rains, especially Thursday night, followed by plunging Friday temperatures. Thundery Thursday night downpours are likely to deposit 1-2” of rain over a region gripped by moderate to severe drought ahead of a new growing season.
Record warmth in the Plains sent Wednesday temperatures soaring to the low 90s in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. New records were established from Lubbock, Texas (92°) to Rapid City, S.D. (80°). It’s warmth expected to flood into downstate Illinois/Indiana Thursday—and then over a vigorous warm front which stalls south of Chicago. The process supports showers Thursday, but is likely to produce thunderstorms capable of downpours and severe weather over sections of the Chicago area Thursday night.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
