Thu Mar 20 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Chicago Braces for Wild Weather Rollercoaster: Thunderstorms, Hail, and Snow Expected
**CHICAGO —** Chicagoans are advised to prepare for a dramatic shift in weather conditions Wednesday, with a pleasant start giving way to a potentially severe afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 52 degrees Wednesday morning, under mostly cloudy skies. However, this calm will be short-lived.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and wind gusts up to 25 mph are expected to arrive in the afternoon, peaking in intensity between 3 and 8 p.m. The severe weather potential includes damaging winds, hail, and a risk of tornadoes, particularly south of I-88.
As the evening progresses, rain will transition to a mix of rain and snow, eventually becoming all snow before 4 a.m. Thursday. While snow accumulation is predicted to be less than one inch, temperatures will plummet to a low of 32 degrees.
Thursday will remain chilly, with a high of only 41 degrees and potential wind gusts reaching 45 mph. Additional morning snow is possible. Friday offers a slight reprieve with partly sunny skies and a high of 55 degrees, but windy conditions will persist, with gusts up to 30 mph.
The weekend forecast includes highs in the 40s and the possibility of more rain and snow. Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and take necessary precautions.
First Piper 