Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thursday morning weather update

Non-severe thunderstorms continue to develop across Wisconsin and northern Illinois early this morning.  These storms were forming along a warm front that stalled just to our west Wednesday afternoon due to the showers/storms that moved through the Stateline.  Along with the front, the low level jet has increased helping to enhance the storms this morning.  The low level jet is basically an area of stronger winds (just like within the main jet stream) that are found roughly 3,000-5,000 ft above the surface of the earth.  Winds in the low level jet help transport warmth along with moisture from the south and southwest and can often times help ignite storms during the overnight or help enhance storms during the day.  Typically, a couple hours after sunrise the low level jet will weaken usually indicating a decrease in storm coverage if there are no additional fronts or storm systems moving in. 

As the warm front lifts north into Wisconsin later this morning and the low level jet weakens the current storms will begin to decrease in coverage.  Additional thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon west of a line from Monroe to Freeport and then for areas east this evening and overnight.  These storms will form along a fairly strong cold front that won't completely pass the Stateline until midday Friday.  Heavy rain and a few gusty storms will be possible later tonight.  Additional details on the forecast for tonight will come out later this morning.

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