Following a spring characterized by persistently cloudy skies and sub-normal
temperatures, Chicago's weather regime is embarking upon a dramatic change. Warm
—even hot—air that has maintained a multi-day presence across the southern U.S. is
expanding north. In response, Chicago's temperatures climb toward the upper 70s
Wednesday, then jump toward 90 degrees Thursday. The transition will be turbulent,
with a parade of vigorous disturbances across the area in upcoming days, each
accompaned by strong thunderstorms.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS WALLOPED BY HEAVY RAINS TUESDAY
Waves of t-storms roared across central Illinois on Tuesday, bringing additional rain to
an area already drenched from a week of excessive rainfall. Doppler precipitation
estimates indicated localized 8-inch amounts even before Tuesday's onslaught. And
it’s not over yet—periods of thunderstorms continue Wednesday.
--By Richard Koeneman, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
