Severe storms possible in Chicago area Monday night as weather clears wildfire smoke

Chicago weather today could include severe storms later in the evening and into the night as rain and thunderstorms could suddenly worsen.

The area is already experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world from Canadian wildfire smoke on Monday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to start rolling through the area beginning at around 6 p.m. and lasting into the overnight hours.

Some storms may explode and turn severe in the evening and during the early overnight hours, according to the CBS News Chicago First Alert Weather team.

The greatest risks are heavy rain and damaging wind gusts, but there is also the possibility of hail and even a brief tornado.

Chicago is at a level 2 out of 5, or slight, risk for severe weather, while parts of DeKalb and McHenry counties are at a 3 out of 5, or marginal, risk for severe storms Monday night.

The showers and storms will help clear the wildfire smoke that is currently impacting Chicago's AQI and a cold front arriving Tuesday will help drop temperatures.