Severe storms swept across the Chicago area late Friday night, March 14, 2025, into Saturday morning, causing considerable damage throughout the city and surrounding neighborhoods. As residents began to clean up from this chaos, another storm system loomed on the horizon, with a heightened risk of severe weather forecasted for Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The weather events throughout March have been unpredictable, with wild temperature swings observed across the region. Meteorologists have noted that this particular week has been characterized by a dramatic shift, providing a fitting introduction to spring.
According to ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Larry Mowry, the Chicago area can expect continued volatility. "The entire Chicago area will see chances for severe weather 'with all weather hazards at play,'" noted NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, emphasizing the erratic nature of March weather—with temperatures dropping into the 40s and 50s. The day on March 19 is set to start cloudy, with potential for stray showers at dawn.
As the day progresses, a greater chance of precipitation emerges. Mowry indicated that mid-morning to early afternoon on March 19 could see some non-severe thunderstorms, offering little cause for concern. However, the afternoon presents a different scenario.
Roman detailed that from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. is when the greatest risk for severe weather will occur. "Conditions are expected to hit the city around 6 p.m. Most parts will be at a level two of five, or 'slight' risk of severe weather on the Storm Prediction Center's scale," she explained. Areas to the south, including parts of Grundy, LaSalle, and Kankakee Counties, are at an enhanced level three risk.
Furthermore, a spectrum of hazardous weather is possible. Roman remarked, "All weather hazards will be at play," highlighting that hail, tornadoes, and strong damaging winds are all on the table. The National Weather Service particularly warned of tornadoes being possible along and south of I-88.
As day turns to night, the severe thunderstorm threat will transition to snow showers by around 8 p.m. on March 19, with snow expected to continue overnight. The following morning, an early arrival of spring on March 20, 2025, is anticipated to be marked by light snow and blustery conditions. The wind advisory will be activated at 10 p.m. on March 19 for all of Northeast Illinois. Background conditions indicate potential winds peaking upwards of 45 miles per hour, warning that "tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result"—according to the NWS.
Following the night’s snow, the Thursday morning commute, March 20, will likely be difficult, with clean-up efforts continuing as community members contend with light snow accumulations of up to two inches, and isolated patches seeing as much as three inches.
Despite the turmoil of the weather, temperatures by Thursday will start in the 30s, climbing into the 40s by the afternoon, just in time for residents to welcome the official start of astronomical spring.
Looking ahead, Friday, March 21, is poised to bring relief with temperatures expected to warm back up into the 50s, though another dip is forecasted for the weekend. Fortunately, residents can anticipate the spring weather that lies ahead—its characteristic warmth and sunshine—suggesting that this unpredictable March will soon give way to a more stable climate.
Producing a full profile of the situation, the March 14-15 severe storms followed by a turbulent period of weather further highlight the complexity of springtime in Chicago. As people emerge from these recent storms, the community remains resilient, focusing on recovery and preparing for what’s next.
The meteorological fluctuations of March encapsulate the unpredictable nature of the season, now ringing in its final full week. City officials and meteorologists alike emphasize the need for residents to prepare for both immediate storms and those yet to come as they navigate the changing meteorological landscape.
