Iisha Scott

With the warm temperatures arriving in the Chicago area Friday comes the threat for severe storms, some of which could bring damaging winds and possibly hail or even an isolated tornado. Temperatures reached into the upper 70s for many by 3 p.m. Friday, but the mild temperatures will usher in a storm front that could spark scattered thunderstorms across the region.

After a pleasant start to the weekend in the Chicago area on Friday, another comfortable day is in store for the region on Saturday ahead of a stretch of sweltering heat. Mid-morning temperatures start out in the upper 60s-to-lower 70s Saturday, with temperatures steadily rising into the late afternoon and early evening hours. Highs are expected to approach the mid 80s on Saturday, with a mix of sunshine and clouds anticipated throughout the day.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Elsa has strengthened into a hurricane just southwest of Tampa Bay. As of the 11 p.m. advisory Tuesday, Elsa has sustained winds of 75 mph and wind gusts up to 90 mph. It has picked up speed and is moving north at 14 mph. Elsa looks to make landfall Wednesday along the west coast of Florida and then will track across the Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday. As it tracks across the Carolinas, it will bring rain our way and that looks to be the biggest impact for our area.