Thunderstorms could shower Lollapalooza crowds Thursday

SHARE Thunderstorms could shower Lollapalooza crowds Thursday
fx3lolgal_cst_080314_12_48034798.jpg

Attendees run from the rain during Lollapalooza 2014 in Grant Park. | Ashlee Rezin/for Sun-Times Media

Thunderstorms expected to move into the region Thursday afternoon and evening could soak the crowds on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook early Thursday for north central and northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday morning and a “greater risk of thunderstorms, including the threat of isolated severe storms” mainly after 4 p.m. with a high temperature of 81, according to the weather service. The storms could bring winds of up to 70 mph and a chance of hail up to the size of a quarter.

Lollapalooza starts at noon Thursday in Grant Park. The festival was evacuated because of storms in 2015 and 2012, and conditions were notoriously rainy and muddy in 2014.

There’s a slight possibility — a 20 percent chance — of showers or light rain Friday, with a high of 67 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high temperature of 78.

The Latest
Anderson talked smack, flipped bats and became the coolest thing about a Sox team seemingly headed for great things. Then it all went “poof.” In town with the Marlins, he discussed it on Thursday.
Another exposure location was reported at the Sam’s Club at 9400 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park, Cook County health officials said Thursday.
Rain will begin to pick up about 6 p.m. and is expected to last until midnight, according to meteorologist Zachary Wack with the National Weather Service. The Cubs game was postponed, and Swifties are donning rain gear.
The Chicago Park District said April’s cold and wet weather has kept the buds of 190 cherry blossom trees at Jackson Park from fully opening.
Bedard entered the season finale Thursday with 61 points in 67 games, making him the most productive Hawks teenager since Patrick Kane in 2007-08, but he’s not entirely pleased with his performance.