Chicago Weather: Heavy Downpours Late Wednesday, Drying Out Thursday

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Severe storms set up south of the Chicago Wednesday afternoon and evening.

A tornado watch was issued for Grundy and Kankakee counties, as well as Ford, Livingston, and Iroquois counties to the south of the Chicago area, but has since expired.

Heavy downpours were expected late into Wednesday night, especially south of I-80 and into Northwest Indiana.

It will be drying out Thursday with highs in the mid-80s. Friday, the heat and humidity build as a southwesterly wind flow develops.

There are no real rain chances the next few days; only a stray storm chance over the weekend and slightly higher chances to start next week.

Some big-time heat is building this weekend with highs in the mid-90s. Factor in the humidity, and the heat index values will reach 100-105 degrees.