Chicago and its surrounding areas are facing a week filled with challenging weather conditions, including scorching heat, suffocating humidity, and severe storms. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings until 10 p.m. Tuesday, with dew points expected to reach nearly 80 degrees and heat indices surpassing 110 degrees in certain locations.

While the city swelters, a new threat emerges in the form of severe weather. McHenry and Lake counties are currently under a severe thunderstorm watch until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Forecast models suggest that any storms that develop could bring damaging winds of up to 60 miles per hour and large hail of up to quarter-size. Furthermore, heavy rain poses a risk of localized flooding, especially in areas that have been grappling with drought.

The Storm Prediction Center has classified the entire Chicago area under a "slight risk" of severe weather, which indicates the second-highest level of risk on their scale. Officials have also issued an air quality alert, declaring the air as "unhealthy for some." Elevated ozone levels caused by pollutants from air conditioning units and vehicles have been reported across the region.

As the week progresses, more showers and thunderstorms could develop, particularly during the late evening hours and into Wednesday morning. Forecast models suggest that the main threat will be concentrated south of Interstate 80, where strong-to-severe storms could bring gusty winds and large hail. A "marginal" risk of severe weather still remains for Kankakee County and parts of northern Indiana, with scattered thunderstorms possible elsewhere.

Although temperatures are expected to drop slightly, with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s, the humidity will persist, leading to heat indices in the 90s across the region. Showers and storms may continue, but they are projected to be more scattered as temperatures gradually decrease throughout the week.

By Thursday, temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-80s, offering some relief from the intense heat. On Friday, there is a chance of scattered showers and storms, but high temperatures will continue to decline, reaching the low-80s by Sunday and even the 70s by Monday.

Fortunately, dry conditions are expected over the weekend, providing a pleasant holiday weekend for residents of the Chicago area.

Stay updated on the latest weather alerts and remember to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme weather conditions.