Chicago Braces for Extreme Heat and Severe Storms

Heat index could reach 115°F as severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings sweep across the Chicago area, with damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain ahead. Warnings cover multiple counties including Will, Cook, Kane, DuPage, Lake and McHenry, and a tornado warning was issued for parts of DuPage, Cook and Will counties and Lake County, Indiana. FAA ground stops were issued at O’Hare and Midway, and a second storm round could develop later in the day as the area remains under an enhanced (level 3 of 5) threat with a weather watch through the afternoon.