Chicago weather: Severe thunderstorms move across area as temperatures rise
Chicagoans try to stay cool on Father's Day as temperatures reach into 90s
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Severe weather moved across the Chicago area Sunday. Meanwhile, high temperatures are hitting the mid-90s and are expected to stay that way this week.
Storm damage was reported in parts of the area as heavy winds blew down tree branches and disrupted events and Father's Day celebrations on Sunday.
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A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for most counties in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana throughout the afternoon, but the watches all expired by 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
The watch was for the following counties: Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake (IL), Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Will, Winnebago (IL), Lake (IN) and Porter (IN).
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kendall, Lake (IL), McHenry and Will counties, but they have expired by 5:45 p.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were also issued for DeKalb, La Salle, Lee and Winnebago counties, but they have also expired. A Dust Storm Advisory was also issued for DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, La Salle and Will counties until 5:45 p.m.
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The storms came suddenly out of Iowa, which prompted the watch for our area, ABC7 Meteorologist Greg Dutra said.
The main threat with the storms was strong winds. Some damage and downed trees have been reported across the area.
Humidity was expected to build throughout the day, ABC7 Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez said Sunday morning.
Large crowds could be seen across Chicago Sunday with people trying stay cool in the intense heat and enjoy the sunshine while they could.
The heat has taken over the city with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees.
"It's great everyone's out...everyone's enjoying it," Chicago resident Shay Mishra said. "A winter here I couldn't do... so I love the summer."
Sundays on State made a return to the Loop, with packed crowds checking out local vendors and all sorts of entertainment.
"It's amazing... a lot of people having fun... a lot of performances everywhere so it's pretty cool... pretty awesome," said Jose, who is visiting Chicago from Denmark.
People also rushed to 31st Street Beach for their Father's Day celebrations, while also finding ways to stay cool.
"Sunscreen hat, sun shirts and stuff like... juice boxes," resident Kelly Val said.
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"We just got some hydration because we need to stay hydrated," said Drew Wade, who is visiting from Maryland. "Nobody wants to blackout because we're dehydrated."
Temperatures also increased throughout the day, marking the start of several days with temperatures in the 90s this week. People at Washington Park felt the change as the heat and humidity settled in.
"We got a lot of ice. There's a lot of water," resident Vashun Pinson said. "It's extremely hot... it wasn't this hot, like, a couple of hours ago. It just bum-rushed us... so we got water and some drinks to stay chill. We gonna be alright, and we brought this tent to stay out of the sun."
