The National Weather Service issued alerts across the country warning of potent storms, a heat wave and lingering toxic smoke.

The severe storms are expected to take place midday to early Tuesday evening.

Wildfire smoke from fires burning in northern Ontario was once again leading to hazy skies and unhealthy air quality in the Chicago area, with an air quality alert in effect through Monday night. Early Monday morning,

Monday could go big, but most of Minnesota could be spared as a cold front triggers intense storms ahead of it.