Storms, Tornadoes Possible in Illinois, Wisconsin on Monday 8/18

Parts of Illinois are under a Heat Advisory today, while Rockford and the Chicagoland area are preparing for incoming storms, some of which could produce tornadoes.

There will be heat indexes around 105 in the southwestern part of Illinois, and while it will only be in the upper-80s across the Rockford region today, heat indexes could still push up to the mid-90s.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, Rockford should have a high of around 88, with severe thunderstorms expected in the area this afternoon (Monday, 8/18).

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the Rockford region and Chicagoland until 6 pm tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, we are at a level 2 out of 5 for Damaging Winds up to 60 mph, and a 2 out of 4 for Elevated Flooding Risk. Tornado risk with this storm is level 1 out of 5.

What to Expect With These Severe Storms

Showers and thunderstorms will move in this afternoon, some could be severe with "damaging winds and torrential downpours."

Johnny Vincent

The NWS warns of flash flooding with this storm due to soil conditions in the area being saturated. "Even a brief period of intense rainfall could lead to a flash flooding situation," says the National Weather Service.

Once this severe thunderstorm cell moves through the region on Monday, there's a limited thunderstorm risk on Tuesday (8/19), but mainly southeast of I-55.

Cooler Temperatures After Severe Storms

We could have lows in the 50s later this week as cooler temperatures set in for the Rockford area.

High on Tuesday should be in the lower 80s for Rockford, and the upper 70s on Wednesday (8/20). Highs stay in the low 80s through this Friday (8/22), and next weekend will feel like Fall has arrived.

The current forecast from the Weather Channel predicts highs will be in the lower to mid 70s from next Sunday (8/24) through next Wednesday, August 25.

CLICK HERE to see the latest forecast for Rockford from the National Weather Service.

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Source: Dangerous Storms, Possible Tornadoes for Illinois and Wisconsin Today (8/18)

Filed Under: Rockford News