Severe Weather Threat in Chicago: Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Possible
The Chicago area faces a 'marginal' risk of severe weather today, August 18, 2026, according to the Storm Prediction Center. This level one out of five risk includes the potential for scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago highlights northeast Illinois as the area with the greatest storm coverage, particularly in the evening hours. While most of the day is expected to remain partly sunny and dry, rain chances increase after 5 p.m., with storms potentially continuing through midnight. Temperatures are forecasted to reach the 80s °F (26-30 °C) before a cold front brings cooler conditions on Wednesday.