LIVE MAP (ABOVE) ... SPC 1300Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0648 AM CDT Wed Mar 18 2026
Valid 181300Z - 191200Z
...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST...
...SUMMARY...
Isolated thunderstorms will be possible today across far south
Florida.
...Synopsis...
Morning water vapor imagery shows a prominent mid-level ridge over
the southwestern states, with fast northwest flow aloft over much of
the rest of the CONUS. This pattern will prevent the return of Gulf
moisture, and preclude organized thunderstorms over most areas.
The one exception will be over south FL, in vicinity of a stalled
boundary. While an isolated lightning strike or two will be
possible over land, much of the thunderstorm risk will affect
offshore waters. No severe storms are anticipated.
..Hart/Weinman.. 03/18/2026
Read more CHECK UPDATE ZOOM GRAPHIC
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Windy.com Temps | Gusts | WU KORD KPWK |
CLICK for this month's BIG night sky ... | RADAR FULL MAP SCREEN |
|---|
MOBILE DEVICE? Turn sideways. Weather conditions directly above are near Lakefront. Top tabs refer to O'Hare (official).
Archives for the SPC Convective Outlook are updated daily (approximately) with a live map at the beginning of each article. Follow the link at the end of the article to check for current updates on the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center website. Also, see Archives for Chicago's hourly weather data on CARDINAL NEWS Magazine.
CONVECTIVE | TORNADO | WIND | HAIL
O'Hare International Airport KORD
(Arlington Heights South)
Chicago Executive Airport KPWK
(Arlington Heights North)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
SPC Mar 18, 2026 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook
SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIMES IN UTC (if you're not logged in to Google)
CHICAGO UTC-6 during CST (Central Standard Time, e.g., winter)
CHICAGO UTC-5 during CDT (Daylight Savings Time, e.g., summer)
CHICAGO UTC-6 during CST (Central Standard Time, e.g., winter)
CHICAGO UTC-5 during CDT (Daylight Savings Time, e.g., summer)




















