SEVERE WEATHER POTENTIAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

In light of the December 28th tornado, it is important to note that once again the tornado threat is low, but not zero. Please remain weather-aware and take immediate sheltering actions if warnings are issued.

Four key messages this morning:

• A storm system today and tonight will bring rain, windy conditions, and the potential for a few severe thunderstorms, including locally damaging winds and possibly a tornado or two.

• Temperatures will remain mild through tonight, then gradually turn cooler over the weekend. By Sunday morning, there is a 50–60% chance that wind chills drop into the single digits north of I-70.

• Beneficial rain is expected this afternoon and evening, although amounts will vary widely. At any given location, there is roughly a 20% chance of receiving more than one inch of rainfall, which could help alleviate ongoing drought conditions.

• There is a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal) risk for damaging winds with showers and storms this evening, along with a low (2%) tornado risk. Timing is expected to be 3–8 PM west of I-55 and 5–11 PM east of I-55.

Outside of thunderstorms, south winds gusting 30–40 mph may make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles on east–west oriented roads this evening, especially east of I-55. Winds will increase again from the west-southwest early Friday morning, with a 30–50% chance that gusts exceed 45 mph.