The National Weather Service has issued a blowing dust advisory for parts of the Chicago area Monday, with winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour and the chance for strong to severe storms by evening.
According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, a blowing dust advisory for the Chicago area is uncommon, and Monday’s advisory marks only the second time one has been issued.
“Patchy blowing dust in open areas this afternoon,” the NWS said. “Strong southwest winds, gusting well over 30 mph at times this morning into the afternoon will result in patchy blowing dust, particularly in open agricultural areas.”
The advisory, for LaSalle; Kendall; Grundy and Kankakee Counties in Illinois; and Lake; Porter and Newton Counties in Indiana; goes into effect at 11 a.m., lasting until 6 p.m. Northern counties could see patchy blowing dust as well, Roman said, with hazardous driving conditions and reduced visibility possible.
“Visibility could vary rapidly over short distances, slow down and exercise caution driving in open areas this afternoon,” the NWS warned, adding that those with respiratory problems should stay indoors until the storm passes.
Gusty SW winds today may lead to blowing dust near farm fields. Localized visibility reductions to < 1 mile may occur, especially in rural areas near & south of I-80. The strong winds & low humidity may also lead to an elevated fire danger in drier agricultural fields.(2/3) pic.twitter.com/QDbBPxiaBt
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 4, 2026“Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero,” the advisory said.
In May of 2025, a dust storm that swept through Illinois led to numerous crashes and travel warnings, with photos showing entire buildings swallowed by blankets of dust. The storm marked the first time ever a dust storm warning was issued for Chicago.
Later Monday evening, scattered thunderstorms were expected to develop, and some could become strong or severe. According to the Storm Prediction Center, the entire Chicago area will be at a level one, or “marginal” risk of severe weather between 6 p.m. and midnight
“The primary risks with these storms will be could to ground lightning, heavy downpours and gusty winds,” the NWS warned. A few storms may produce hail as well.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop along and south of a cold front late this afternoon and evening. Strong to locally damaging winds will be the main hazard with the strongest storms, but a few storms may produce hail as well. #ILwx #INwx(1/3) pic.twitter.com/GFE99UdZGm
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 4, 2026Following the storms will come a cold front, Roman said, with temperatures dropping back into the 50s and 60s for much of the work week.
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