This morning started with a MOD RISK declared for Chicago and environs:
There was also much discussion about a HIGH RISK being declared, with a focus on the severe wind and hail threats:
While the tornado threat has been downplayed, I feel a bit wary about the hatched 10%(+) area:
Even early in the day, the severe parameters show signs of moving ‘into the hot zone’ later today:
We’ll have to watch this one carefully (as Gilbert Sebenste pointed out in my Facebook news feed). Gilbert is a respected expert in Northern Illinois weather, and I’m glad we have him watching our area. He’s generous with his knowledge and is a great natural teacher. (Frankly, I wish there was some way I could carve out time to attend either his meteorology classes or the one’s Paul Sirvatka teaches at College of DuPage. Both of the gentlemen have a great sever weather sense, and I’d be delighted if their wisdom would rub off on me. I could always use more.)
11:00am:
As the morning wore on, the air was increasingly humid. Definitely, “air ya kin wear’, to use a Northern Virginia-ism.
14:30CDT:
Per http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0298.html , A PDS (particularly dangerous situation) area has been issued to our west:
Certain aspects of today remind me of the
August 4, 2008 derecho event. On that day, the EF1 tornado in Bolingbrook, Illinois passed less than a mile south of my house. Too close for comfort!