Increasing threat for widespread severe weather Monday in Northern Illinois

 A broad region may see a potential for severe weather on Monday, including Northern Illinois. The Storm Prediction Center has been on this threat all week, highlighting the severe weather potential since Thursday. The latest outlook as of Saturday night shows a Level 3/5 Enhanced risk for severe weather stretching from far Southwestern Wisconsin down into Northern Arkansas. For a large majority of this area, all hazards of severe weather will be possible, including a threat for tornadoes.

But there are still a number of things that need to fall into place before this severe threat develops. Seeing as we are still nearly 48 hours from the severe threat, there are some uncertainties as to how the environment will evolve. Multiple waves of storms look possible, including a morning round. But how fast that round clears will determine how much the atmosphere is able to recover before the afternoon and evening. Another thing that will impact severe potential is storm mode. If we see discrete supercells, tornado and hail potential will be higher. If storms merge into a line or cluster quickly, the wind threat would be highest with some embedded tornadoes.

Our primary severe weather timing will be from about 3-8PM, but some of the morning and afternoon storms may pose a lower risk for severe weather too. One thing is for sure, Monday looks to be another active day in Illinois with regard to severe weather. Sunday will be the days to make the severe weather plans of what you will do in case a warning is issued. Think of where you might be between 3-8PM and where you will go if you receive a warning. Be sure to stay updated on the forecast through Monday as we continue to bring you the latest!