High temperatures Monday reached the low and mid-80s across the metro area, marking a second straight day of above-normal warmth.
Labor Day signaled the unofficial end of the summer season. On cue, an afternoon cold front pushed across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, shifting winds to the northwest. Severe thunderstorms developed to our east and south along the advancing front. Hail as large as billiard balls pelted portions of southeast Michigan and southern Illinois, while high winds toppled trees within a line of storms from St. Louis to Toledo, Ohio.
Fall-like weather is expected to settle across the Midwest for several days. Meanwhile, eyes are on Hurricane Irma, a dangerous storm that could reach Category 5 intensity as it nears the northern Leeward Islands on Tuesday.
