Severe thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening across the Midwest to southern portions of the Great Lakes region, accompanied by a risk for damaging wind gusts, hail and some tornadoes.

Destructive tornadoes have hit states such as Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana this season as activity shifts east. Meanwhile, scientists say dry and hot weather in the Great Plains brought on by climate change could be slowing the number of tornadoes there.

Heavy rain is in the forecast for Chicago on Friday night, but an earlier threat of severe weather has significantly diminished. A tornado watch had been in effect for most of the Chicago area until 11 p.