Strong Storms Then Colder

We are monitoring a very strong cold front to our west this evening. It currently extends from Minnesota towards Texas. The front is associated with a deep area of low pressure in Iowa. The system is quite potent, which is resulting in plenty of strong and severe thunderstorms from Iowa into Texas. Behind the front, temperatures are in the 30's in Nebraska. Snow has even been falling across portions of Nebraska! That is the kind of front we are dealing with tonight. Temperatures will drop a quick 10-15° immediately following its passage Friday morning here in the Stateline. We will remain ahead of it through the overnight hours, which will result in temperatures hanging out in the middle 60's with ample moisture in place.

It is the warmth, high moisture content, modest instability, strong wind shear, and a strong low-level jet that will combine and allow the storms to our west to congeal into a line and power their way towards the area close to midnight. And, since the variables to support stronger storms will exist, there is a chance a strong or severe storm moves through northern Illinois. The Storm Prediction Center does have the area under a Marginal Risk for severe weather due to the threat that does exist. Heavy rain and strong winds are the biggest concerns. The rain may last through sunrise before the front moves east Friday. That will clear our skies out by the afternoon and send our temperatures tumbling back into the middle 50's by dinnertime.