A United flight had to return to ORD after flying through a hail core over Lake Michigan.
PIREP: ORD UA /OV ORD090035/TM 1925/FL155/TP A320/RM HAIL-CRACKED WIND SHIELD
"In addition to the polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin."
But where's the hydroxychloroquine?
The fact that the hail growth zone (-10C to -30C) is closer to the ground and surface temps aren't all that warm help it reach the ground.
Nice forecast profile from the 3km NAM, showing the steep surface to mid-level lapse rates. Not a ton of CAPE but it was obviously more than enough for the heavy showers and isolated storms this afternoon.
Obviously smoky in the upper levels today. I guess to many it looks like a veil of cirrus. The sun should have that tell-tale red glow again towards sunset.
Think there is at least a marginal risk for severe hail across the region overnight as the 850 warm front lifts into northern IL. Mid-level flow is strongest near and north of the IL/WI border. Lapse rates are steep and there is a decent amount of both directional and speed shear such that some transient supercell structures are probable. 12Z NAM for ORD valid at 09Z below:
Spotter report of golf-ball sized hail in the line near Plainfield. Almost hard to believe, but if true, extra damaging when associated with severe winds.
One of those microscale circulations is just west of KLOT radar, which is estimating 100-105MPH winds 500' above the ground, so likely reaching the surface. KLOT will probably go down if it holds together.
strongest winds on the leading edge are associated with microscale bows and are more isolated. note the stronger/longer duration winds are associated with lighter precip, indicative of the downward motion associated with the descending rear inflow jet (blue areas in velocity on the right-most image).