area severe weather, wildfire smoke updates – NBC Chicago

Key Points:

• The Chicago area faces a slight risk of severe weather Monday night into Tuesday morning, with potential heavy rain, gusty winds over 60 mph, hail, and an isolated tornado as a system moves in from Wisconsin.
• Showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin Monday evening, possibly causing localized flooding and strong winds, with storms lingering past midnight before tapering off by Tuesday morning.
• Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota will persist through Tuesday despite the rain, keeping air quality poor, though clearing is expected to begin late Tuesday as north-northwest winds increase.
• Cooler temperatures in the mid-70s and improving air quality are anticipated on Wednesday, along with dangerous rip currents on Lake Michigan due to stronger north winds.
• Temperatures will warm back into the 80s Thursday and potentially near 90 degrees over the weekend, with mostly sunny skies expected for the rest of the workweek.