This Just Keeps Getting Better and Better....

......but how long can this wonderful weather last.  I will answer that question for you in today's blog, but first let's take a look at what is going on right now.  An upper level ridge of high pressure is arching across the Midwest, blocking the area from any significant frontal intrusions.  A surface high is located over Missouri, and because high pressure is completely dominating our weather, the Stateline will see temperatures well above average right through the Columbus Day Weekend.  Along with the warm temperatures, which will reach the low 80's today, Saturday, and Sunday, sunny skies will prevail, so our dry weather pattern will continue.  This weekend will seem more like summer than early fall.  Despite temperatures in the 80's, it will be very comfortable because of the low humidity.  Afternoon relative humidity's could drop as low as 15%, which is nearly low as is typical in desert areas of the southwestern US.  A backdoor cold front slipping southward out of Canada will approach the area on Saturday afternoon as a large high in Canada moves southeast across Ontario.  It does bear watching, because if it moves in early in the day, it could keep temperatures a little lower than anticipated.  The front will stall out across the area on Saturday night, and lift back toward the northeast as a warm front on Sunday.  A weakening low will dissipate as it moves into Illinois on Monday morning as it is absorbed within the upper ridge of high pressure.  No rain is anticipated with this system, just an increase in cloudiness. The lingering surface trough of low pressure will cause skies to be partly cloudy into Tuesday, and temperatures will drop off a few degrees, but remain above normal with an afternoon high in the low 70's.  A much stronger upper trough, and it's associated cold front will approach the area on Tuesday night.  With very little moisture inflow from the Gulf of Mexico, there will only be some scattered light rain showers on Tuesday night and Wednesday.  Cooler air will sweep into the area on Wednesday, and high temperatures will drop back into the low to middle 60's.  On Thursday it will be partly cloudy with a high in the low 60's. 
So, enjoy the summer like weekend, because it will be considerably cooler by midweek of next week.
By Meteorologist
Eric Nefstead