Hefty rain totals from Wednesday night to Friday

Copious amounts of moisture will be pulled north as low pressure spins out of the central Plains and into the Midwest Wednesday night and Thursday morning.  A steady to moderate rain has been falling through much of the evening, but the showers are beginning to lighten up (for now) in a few locations.

Temperatures in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin have been cool with highs in the low to mid 40's, but to the south temperatures warmed into the 60's and 70's.  That's where severe weather has been ongoing and will continue through the night.  The initial slug of moisture with this first round of rain will continue north into Wisconsin, with additional rain moving in from the thunderstorms to the south.  We are not expected to have severe weather, although a clap of thunder or two can't be ruled out overnight.

Plan for a soggy commute Thursday morning with steady rain through mid-morning.  As drier air is pulled north ahead of the low, the rain should become more widespread and a little more light by Thursday afternoon.  As the low passes to the northeast Thursday night and Friday, additional rain showers will be likely into Friday morning.  The first image on the left is a simulated radar picture around 2am Thursday morning indicating heavier rainfall over northern Illinois.  Rainfall totals will range anywhere from 1-2 inches from Wednesday night through Friday morning.  Definitely the highest amount of rainfall in at least over a month.