Attention Chicago! Strong thunderstorms and extreme heat are threatening!
A weather warning for severe thunderstorms is in effect in Schaumburg until the evening. Heat and high humidity make conditions risky.

Attention Chicago! Strong thunderstorms and extreme heat are threatening!
There's a lot going on in Cologne right now, and the weather is a lot to talk about. Today, August 17, 2025, there are signs of a storm in the Chicago area, where a severe thunderstorm alert was issued by 7 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) has a wide area affected, including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.
Already in the afternoon, at exactly 4:23 p.m., there was an active warning for Aurora, Saint Charles and Batavia, which was valid until 5:15 p.m. Warnings were previously issued for Arlington Heights, Evanston and Schaumburg at 4:11 p.m. and for Elgin, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates at 3:50 p.m. Other areas such as Belvidere, Crystal Lake and Loves Park have not been spared from the warning.
Heat and storms à la carte
Temperatures in the Chicago area are quite high with values in the 90s, while the situation on the shores of Lake Michigan is somewhat more tempered. Things get uncomfortable thanks to the high humidity, which makes it feel like it's over 100 degrees. Particularly in the southern suburbs of the area, temperatures could even reach 110 degrees. The NWS has identified an increased risk for excessive heat, particularly south of Interstate 80.
Currently temperatures are about 10 degrees above average for this time of year, indicating a very serious weather phenomenon. But tomorrow we can expect a little respite: the weather forecast for Sunday says a maximum of 80 degrees, which is a welcome cooling down. But be careful – a new surge of heat could come our way as early as Monday.
Be ready for anything!
With the increasing risk of rain and thunderstorms early in the week, it is essential that residents remain vigilant and prepare for the rapidly changing weather conditions. The authorities' warnings and advice are clear: stay informed and be ready to react quickly if the weather changes.
Given the news situation and the advice of experts, it is wise to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The people of Cologne don't have to worry because they are used to dealing with the weather here, whether it's heat or thunderstorms. When in doubt: a good hand in planning never hurts!