Temperatures, storm threat, on the rise

As Meteorologist Tyler Sebree discussed in the previous post, the humidity will be increasing over the course of the next couple days.  With that will also be an increase in our storm potential.

The storm threat Thursday afternoon will reside to the north and northwest from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.  There, strong storms producing hail and gusty winds will be likely.  For us, most of our afternoon should remain dry, but there will be an increasing chance for storms late this evening and by Friday morning.

Southerly winds will increase today giving temperatures a boost into the middle and upper 80's under partly cloudy skies. 

Storms that develop this afternoon will sink south and southeast this evening and overnight with a weak cool front and upper level disturbance.  That front won't completely pass through Northern Illinois Friday, so with it remaining to the north, the temperatures will continue to warm.  Scattered thunderstorms are likely by Friday morning, but should be out of here by 10am/11am.

With the heating of the day Friday, isolated thunderstorms are possible as instability builds late in the afternoon and evening.  If storms were to redevelop Friday, there is some risk of them turning strong with gusty winds and hail.  Temperatures Friday could also warm near 90 degrees, with the heat index reaching the middle 90's.  So, if you've been able to keep the windows open at night with the cooler weather, you'll probably need to close them tonight and turn on the A/C through the weekend.