Chicago Faces Severe Weather Threat This Week

Multiple rounds of storms, heavy rain, and a midweek cooldown expected in the region.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:22pm

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The Chicago area is bracing for several chances of severe weather this week, including the potential for strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, and hail on Monday and Tuesday. After a warm start to the week, temperatures will drop significantly by the middle of the week, with lingering rain showers and highs only reaching the 40s on Wednesday and Thursday.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a serious threat to public safety, causing power outages, property damage, and even injuries or loss of life. The Chicago region is no stranger to volatile spring weather, and residents will need to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions over the next several days.

The details

On Monday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially north of I-80, with a small chance that a few storms could become strong or severe, bringing isolated damaging wind gusts and hail. Tuesday has an even higher chance for showers and storms, some of which may turn severe, with the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana under a Slight Risk for damaging winds and large hail. After the cold front passes on Tuesday, temperatures will plummet, with highs only reaching the 40s on Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by lingering rain showers.

  • Monday night into Tuesday: Chance of severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds and hail.
  • Tuesday afternoon and evening: Higher risk of severe storms, especially south of Chicago.
  • Wednesday and Thursday: Temperatures drop significantly, with highs only in the 40s and rain showers continuing.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The national organization that issues severe weather outlooks and risk assessments for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“There is a small chance that a few storms may become strong or severe with isolated damaging wind gusts and hail.”

— Emily Wahls, Meteorologist

“The Storm Prediction Center has the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana in a level 2 Slight Risk, and the rest of Chicagoland in a Marginal Risk for damaging wind gusts and large hail Tuesday afternoon and evening.”

— Emily Wahls, Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents should monitor the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms approach their area. The National Weather Service will continue to issue watches and warnings as the threat of severe weather develops.

The takeaway

This week's volatile weather pattern serves as a reminder for Chicagoans to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing spring conditions, which can quickly turn dangerous. Heeding weather alerts and having a plan in place can help keep families safe during severe storms.