National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Persists in the South Central U.S. and Southwest; Heavy rains in the Desert Southwest and Central Plains

Sweltering heat remains across the South-Central Plains, Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, and the Southwest this week with limited nighttime relief. Thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall leading to localized flash flooding in portions of the Desert Southwest and central Plains. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of the central Plains into the Northeast. Read More >

Overview

  • During the afternoon of Sunday, March 26, numerous thunderstorms developed across parts of northern Illinois, eventually tracking into northwest Indiana.

  • Some of these storms became severe, particularly those that tracked eastward along a stationary frontal boundary located near the I-80 corridor. 

  • Most of the storm reports received were for hail with numerous reports of hail to the size of peas to nickels. In some instances, hail fell heavily enough to cover the ground. The largest reported hailstones were the size of half dollars (1.25" in diameter). 

  • Thank you to all who provided real-time storm reports and information!
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Additional recaps can be found on the NWS Chicago Past Events Page
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