Chicago weather update: Thunderstorms causing ground delays at O’Hare; heavy rain, flooding possible
Thunderstorms moved into the Chicago area Friday morning, causing ground delays at O’Hare International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration initially issued a ground grounding due to severe weather, but later downgraded it to a ground delay. Several flights were delayed or canceled as a result.
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Meteorologists provide the latest news
Increased temperatures were also reported in the area. As of about 9 a.m., fog was forming in the area and the temperature was about 52°F.
Temperatures near O’Hare are expected to rise to around 70°F, while areas closer to Lake Michigan may stay around 60°F.
National Weather Service meteorologist David King said that while temperatures will rise, the chances of breaking warm weather records are diminishing as heavy clouds limit sunlight.
“If we hit this temperature (70 degrees), we’ll tie the record,” King told the Chicago Sun-Times. “We’re still looking forward to a nice warm day, but it’s going to be very wet.”
Some rain may continue into Saturday morning, though forecasters said totals are still expected to be limited.
“But there wasn’t a lot of precipitation,” King said. “It will be a little breezy with gusts of 25-30 mph.”
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-60s on Saturday and the mid-50s on Sunday.
Meanwhile, NBC 5 Chicago Storm Team meteorologist Alicia Roman said storms moving through the area in the morning are expected to “bring a punch” with torrential downpours, thunder and lightning.
“The idea is that the storms should stay below severe criteria this morning, which means we won’t see gusty, damaging winds throughout the morning,” Roman said. “But we could see storms with heavy rain and lightning.”
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National Weather Service Advisory
The National Weather Service in Chicago also warned that storms are expected Saturday morning.
“Storms are expected today into Saturday morning. Highest coverage this morning will be approximately northwest of I-55. Storm coverage in the afternoon is uncertain, but some could be severe if storms develop. A significant number of showers/storms will develop tonight into early Saturday morning.”
