NBC 5 Storm Team

A humid weekend with mid-80s temperatures and isolated thunderstorms is expected, with easterly breezes bringing cooler conditions on Sunday. Rain chances increase during the morning commute, followed by a warming trend into the 90s by midweek.

Severe weather is returning to the Chicago area starting Friday, with showers and storms expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, or hail. The National Weather Service and NBC 5 Storm Team warned of a 'long stretch of quiet weather' ending, as southwestern counties face a 'slight' risk of severe weather and other areas a 'marginal' risk.

The Chicago area is ending a dry stretch with rain and a marginal risk of severe weather starting Friday morning. Thunderstorms could develop, bringing gusty winds and potential hail, followed by additional rain on Saturday and warmer temperatures into next week.

The Northern Lights may be visible in Illinois Thursday night due to a potential G3-level geomagnetic storm caused by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). The National Weather Service and Space Weather Prediction Center predict CMEs arriving mid-afternoon, with possible visibility in the lower Midwest. Clear skies could enhance the chances of viewing the auroras, which occur when energized particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Hundreds of people across the Chicago area and Midwest reported seeing a bright fireball in the sky Monday night, accompanied by sonic booms. Experts suggest it may be space debris or a meteor, with Michelle Nichols of the Adler Planetarium noting fireballs occur daily but are often unnoticed. Kevin Jeanes of NBC 5 Storm Team leaned toward space junk as a possible cause.

A seasonably warm weekend with highs in the 70s and 80s is expected, followed by a cold front bringing cooler temperatures and beach hazards. A significant warm-up to the 80s and 90s is projected for late June.