Temperatures staying warm through week, severe storm threat on Friday
From 8 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday, expect the strongest to possibly severe storms to roll through.
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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.
From 8 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday, expect the strongest to possibly severe storms to roll through.
This week's highs will be in the 60s, and some areas may reach the 70s for the first time this year.
A warming trend begins this weekend.
Wet snow is likely Friday. With temperatures hovering in the middle 30s, rain showers may mix into the picture at times.
A Wind Advisory was in effect until midnight Wednesday night as winds have been gusting 40 to 50 mph.
A large storm system will bring wind, rain, thunder, and snow to the Chicago area through Wednesday.
It will be slightly cooler on Thursday, but temperatures remain above the norm in the middle 40s.
Rain will be mostly light, though some downpours and thunderstorms are possible, especially south of Chicago.
Temperatures remain very mild throughout the work-week with highs in the 50s and 40s.
Highs on Monday reach the 50s, which is nearly 10 to 15 degrees above normal.
While still cold tonight, lows will fall to the teens. This is a huge improvement from earlier in the week.
On Thursday morning, wind chills drop as low as -15 degrees.
By next week, high temperatures rise to the mid-40s in Chicago for the first time in more than three weeks.
Bitterly cold conditions are in place again Tuesday morning.
A cold weather advisory is in effect until 11 a.m. for wind chills of minus 15 to minus 25 degrees Monday morning.