Chicago is bracing for severe weather as St. Patrick's Day celebrations approach this weekend. Meteorologists forecast significant storms will sweep through the area starting Friday night, with high winds expected to accompany the festivities on Saturday.
According to ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler, Friday, March 14, 2025, is expected to be warm, with highs reaching the upper 70s and possibly touching 80 degrees. Wind gusts are predicted to hit 45 miles per hour. The severe storms are projected to roll in around 10 p.m. and linger until approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.
The Storm Prediction Center has classified the weather risk across the area, placing Chicago and its northern suburbs under a Level 2 risk for severe storms. Further south, Will County and some neighboring suburbs face heightened concerns with a Level 3 risk, and parts of downstate Illinois are categorized at a Level 4 risk.
Given the impending weather, the National Weather Service has issued both a Wind Advisory and high wind watch. The Wind Advisory will take effect at 4 p.m. on March 14 and expire at 4 a.m. on March 15. Meanwhile, the high wind watch will commence at 8 a.m. Saturday and remain until 2 p.m. on the same day. Gusts during Saturday's forecast could reach between 50 and 60 mph.
This forecast presents challenges not only for the parades and river dyeing traditions typically held on St. Patrick's Day but also raises concerns for public safety during the celebrations. Residents and visitors are reminded to remain weather aware and prepare accordingly.
Southerly winds will drop temperatures significantly after the weekend. A high of around 40 degrees is expected on Sunday, March 16, 2025, marking quite the shift from the warmth of the previous days.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing for Michigan's Lower Peninsula, which could also face severe weather conditions over the weekend. The National Weather Service has reported potential thunderstorms throughout the Midwest, with Michigan facing its first severe weather of the season.
The National Weather Service noted the risk of damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes during this weather event, though specific predictions show Michigan itself may not see the worst. "Regional severe thunderstorm outbreaks are possible on Friday across parts of the Mississippi Valley, and Saturday across parts of the Southeast," they stated.
Forecasts project storms to begin hitting Michigan's Lower Peninsula on Friday night, March 14, and continue through Saturday, March 15, transitioning to snow in the northern areas by Sunday, March 16.
Residents are expected to face gusts from 15 to 30 mph, rain, and the possibility of thunder. Areas like Detroit can anticipate temperatures soaring to nearly 70°F, contributing to what feels like record highs for mid-March.
The Grand Rapids office of the National Weather Service indicated winds could gust between 35 and 45 mph, so residents should prepare for possibly severe thunderstorms as they occur early Saturday morning.
Despite the predicted severe weather, there is low risk of tornado formation for Michigan. "The severe risk will become more marginal as conditions move toward Minnesota and Wisconsin," the National Weather Service warned.
The outlook for northern Michigan appears even more volatile, with forecasts indicating increasing warm temperatures leading to changing conditions. Some areas might see thunderstorms Friday night as temperatures rise to the 60s, only to turn to wintry conditions as the weekend progresses.
Forecasts system indicate Saturday night might bring significant cold front passage, resulting in much cooler air filtering back through on Sunday with potential for rain and snow in northern parts of the state.
Looking forward beyond the weekend, forecasters expect weather conditions across Michigan to stabilize by Monday, allowing residents to return to more normal weather conditions after this erratic March weekend.
Participate safely and wisely during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, as the weather changes rapidly, and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions across both Illinois and Michigan.