It will only be a one-day stand, but all factors point to Chicago recording it’s first 80º day of 2007 Sunday as gusty southwest winds push the mercury into summer-level territory for the first time since last Oct. 3 when the mercury peaked at 82º. Dermatologist Dr. Bryan Schultz warns that despite it being only April, the sun’s intensity is sufficient to produce significant sunburn, and sunscreen needs to be applied just as it would be during the summer.
Sunday’s warmth will help fuel thunderstorms that should arrive here Sunday night as a cold front approaches. The same system triggered severe thunderstorms Saturday from Minnesota to eastern Colorado and the Texas Panhandle with more than fifty reports of hail and at least five tornadoes through early evening.
The rest of the week here should trend cooler and wetter as several weather systems pass through the Midwest.
--By Steve Kahn, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
