CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a threat of storms Thursday night in the Chicago area. There were also record-high temperatures. A Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warning were in effect for multiple counties in Illinois and northwest Indiana, but they have since expired.

The Chicago area can expect showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, Thursday night. The entire area remains under a tornado watch until 10 p.m., with the threat of large hail and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.

More severe storms were expected to roll across the central U.S. this week following the weather-related deaths of more than two dozen people and a devastating Kentucky tornado.

The strong tornado threat Thursday includes Chicago, Milwaukee and a big chunk of central Wisconsin. Evansville, Indiana, is at the heart of Friday’s tornado threat.

The city reached a record-breaking 93 degrees Thursday, topping the previous May 15 record of 91 degrees set in 1961.

Severe storms are possible Thursday afternoon across the Chicago area as a cold front moves through, bringing a risk of damaging winds and heavy rain.

A significant severe weather outbreak is unfolding across the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Friday, placing more than 146 million individuals under alert.