Damaging Winds, Hail, Isolated Tornadoes Possible for Illinois

Be alert for severe weather on Wednesday (6/18) in the Rockford region and Chicagoland, where there is a potential for dangerous storms and isolated tornadoes.

Wednesday Storm Watch

According to the latest forecast from The Weather Channel, northern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin are expected to experience damaging winds, large hail, and possibly brief tornadoes.

Flash flooding is a threat with these storms, with heavy downpours that could dump several inches in an hour.

READ MORE: Major Home Decor Chain to Close Illinois and Wisconsin Stores

This same storm system began out west and has moved across the plains, causing extreme damage to property and agriculture. Just outside of Billings, Montana, 8 inches of hail destroyed crops and ripped siding off of homes.

While we're not expecting it to be that extreme, a potential for damaging hail is possible as the cold front moves eastward, according to the Weather Channel.

Rising Heat Wave Heading Into The Weekend

We could experience the longest stretch of brutal heat we've had to deal with so far this year, beginning on Friday (6/20).

After we have a cool down on Wednesday with highs only in the mid-70s, the rain moves out, and we start to crank the heat up to what will feel like triple-digits.

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The National Weather Service updated forecast for the Rockford region has high temperatures in the lower 80s on Thursday (6/19), and the upper 80s by Friday (6/20).

Dangerous heat will kick in on Saturday when the high is expected to be 94, but it will have a heat index well above 100. Sunday (6/22) will be sunny and 95, and Monday is more of the same with mostly sunny conditions and a high of 94.