Mike Schwartz - Storm Tracker and Media Journalist

08/25/2025

MAJOR BIRD MIGRATION SOUTH: A sign of the changing seasons, there's been a MAJOR movement of birds heading south behind this front. Last night end up having 18.1 MILLION birds moving SE over Illinois, the greatest numbers between 12a-3a. They've been traveling at speeds up to 30mph with the help of winds aloft.

Tonight, that number is likely to jump over 20 million! You might spot some returning visitors, not only birds, but even monarch butterflies have been reported in a few areas!

08/18/2025

**LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOOD EVENT IS POSSIBLE ACROSS CHICAGOLAND THIS EVENING**

The nws is warning of a life threatening flash flood event as incoming storms produce torrential rainfall causing significant amounts to accumulate and cause quick flash flooding. Localized 5+ inches of rain is possible.

*This is a particularly dangerous situation*

08/16/2025

08/16/2025

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will drop southeastward out of southern WI this afternoon. Through 3 pm, the primary threat area will be in the yellow highlighted area. Note that this threat is likely to continue beyond 3 PM in and outside the highlighted region.

08/07/2025

The potential for showers and thunderstorms increases through the day, with the highest chances (30-50%) after sunset through tonight. The main hazards with any storms that form are gusty to locally damaging winds and torrential rainfall which may lead to flooding. Confidence in shower and storm timing and coverage remains low so be sure to check back for updates through the day!

07/29/2025

This morning's little storm at work. Got some nice lightning shots.

07/25/2025

We already saw the effects of what these thunderstorms can produce as the south metro got nailed with 3-5 inches of rain in a very short time. Stay weather aware tonight!

07/25/2025

Slow-moving showers with occasional/isolated lightning strikes are expected in the area today. These showers/storms will produce locally torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. We have also received multiple reports of funnel clouds already from these showers/storms, but these funnel clouds are not expected to reach the ground and cause damage.

07/24/2025

Here's an update of expected coverage of rain and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The strongest thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall, which could lead to localized flash flooding.

07/24/2025

Flash flooding will be a concern in northern Illinois later today!

Thunderstorms will develop across northern IL with a cold front this afternoon. The strongest storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts to 60 mph and torrential rainfall, which could result in localized flash flooding. The graphic displays the favored timing for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

07/21/2025

Heat and humidity will begin to build from the west on Tuesday, with dangerous heat expected Wednesday through Thursday. While thunderstorms are expected to bring relief from the heat by late Friday, a slower arrival will mean continued heat into Friday.