Chicago, IL – March 13, 2025 – If you’ve been enjoying the recent stretch of mild weather, brace yourself—things are about to take a dangerous turn. A powerful storm system is setting up to hit Chicago and surrounding areas this weekend, bringing severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and even the threat of tornadoes. Forecasters are urging residents to stay alert and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
What’s Coming?
Weather experts are tracking a storm system that could bring everything from heavy rain to tornadoes. If you live in or around Chicago, now is the time to prepare.
- Thursday, March 13: Enjoy the calm before the storm. Today’s weather will be mostly sunny with a high near 52°F (11°C) and a low of 47°F (8°C). Winds will be light, but don’t let that fool you—change is coming.
- Friday, March 14: Things start to heat up, literally and figuratively. Expect increasing cloud cover, breezy conditions, and temperatures climbing to 69°F (20°C). Thunderstorms will start rolling in during the evening, and some could turn severe. The biggest threats? Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. If you have evening plans, be prepared to adjust them based on weather conditions.
- Saturday, March 15: This is the day to watch. Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph, and with a high of 62°F (17°C) before temperatures plummet to around 30°F (-1°C), the atmosphere will be primed for intense storms. Tornadoes are possible, especially in the afternoon and evening. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately.
- Sunday, March 16: The storm system moves out, but we’ll be left with blustery, much colder weather. Highs will struggle to reach 40°F (4°C), with lows dipping to 32°F (0°C). Expect overcast skies and gusty winds.
How to Stay Safe
Severe weather can strike with little warning, so take precautions now to protect yourself and your family:
- Stay Weather-Aware: Monitor the latest updates from the National Weather Service, local news, or a reliable weather app.
- Have an Emergency Plan: Know where to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. A basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows is best.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food should be on hand. If you rely on medication, ensure you have enough to last through any potential disruptions.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations can become airborne hazards in strong winds—bring them inside or tie them down.
- Charge Your Devices: Power outages are possible, so keep your phone and other essential electronics charged in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Chicagoans know how unpredictable Midwest weather can be, but this weekend’s storm has the potential to be especially dangerous. Now is the time to prepare. Stay tuned to weather alerts, have a safety plan in place, and check on family and neighbors who might need assistance.
We’ll get through this together, Chicago—stay safe and stay informed!