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Record Heat for the Intermountain West and Northern Plains; Heavy Rainfall and Severe Weather Threats

Record setting heat is expected over the next several days from the Intermountain West through the northern Plains. Furthermore, fire weather concerns increase with dry and breezy conditions. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorm threats for the Ohio/Tennessee Valleys, central Appalachians and Southeast today. The threat shifts to central Gulf Coast and across central Texas this week. Read More >

Overview

Fast Facts:

  • Chicago O'Hare received 2.36" of rain on August 7th, most of that impressively falling within one hour during the mid-afternoon.  Visibility dropped as low as 1/4 mile at ORD, very rare to do with rain only!
  • This was the highest official calendar day rainfall at Chicago (ORD) since October 14, 2017 (4.19").
  • This was the highest August calendar day rainfall since August 4, 2014 (2.76").
  • This produced flash flooding in parts of northern Cook County, including the north side of the city of Chicago.
  • Based on reports from media, there were some water rescues due to stalled vehicles under viaducts.
Radar Loop
Radar loop from 10am - 8pm CDT August 7th, 2018.
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Additional recaps can be found on the NWS Chicago Past Events Page
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