Rain returns on Thursday in Chicago
Thursday morning will be sunny before showers return by midday.
Watch CBS News
Laura Bannon is the weekday morning meteorologist. A native of Chicagoland, Laura grew up in Naperville. She is an Emmy-nominated meteorologist and holds her NWA Seal of Approval.
Upon graduating Neuqua Valley High, Laura attended the University of Missouri. While completing a degree in communication at Mizzou, Laura attended Mississippi State University distance program and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Geosciences.
In college, Laura landed her first on air job in Jefferson City, Missouri. Laura worked weekends at KRCG her senior year and secured her first full time broadcasting job at WBBJ in Jackson, Tennessee. From there, Laura went on to serve on weather teams in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Nashville; and currently Chicago, experiencing a variety of severe weather markets across the country.
Laura has covered many severe weather outbreaks. One weather event she'll never forget is the 2020 Nashville tornado. Laura was the meteorologist on duty when an EF-3 tornado ripped through downtown Nashville, killing 24 people. Laura and her team were nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Breaking News category for their extensive coverage.
Along with the weather, one of Laura's passions is helping others with disabilities. In each of her residencies, she has volunteered at therapeutic horseback riding centers. An equestrian since a young girl, Laura uses her knowledge to assist children with physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities learn how to ride horses. She has found it to be a life-changing experience working one on one with these children and watching their progress week after week.
After work, Laura enjoys working out, going to the gym daily, training for Cross Fit events and taking long walks outside.
Thursday morning will be sunny before showers return by midday.
A windy afternoon is ahead with west winds gusting 40 to 45 miles per hour.
Waves of showers and thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, but the main window for severe weather is during the evening. Large hail and damaging wind are the main threats, but there is a risk of tornadoes.
The storm threat continues into early Wednesday, and then cooler weather is expected for the end of the week.
Early morning showers wrap up, leaving a breezy afternoon of sunshine.
Areas east of I-55 and Northwest Indiana may see flooding in poor drainage areas and low spots.
Clouds increase throughout the day on Wednesday with highs climbing near 66 degrees.
Highs will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies and breezy conditions.
Clouds shouldn't be an issue this afternoon and highs will reach 70 degrees.
Skies clear in the late day, giving way to sunshine for the start of the weekend.
Highs reach the 50s on Friday and Saturday with sunshine.
Conditions improve for the afternoon as rain/snow tapers off by the evening.
A winter weather advisory is in effect until noon Wednesday for DeKalb and McHenry counties.
Temperatures near the lake reach the 40s, but most of the area will be in the 50s and 60s farther south.
It will be a gloomy Easter morning Sunday with temperatures in the upper 30s.