Cooler Pattern to Start the Month of August

It has been an absolutely beautiful weekend.  Highs Saturday and Sunday warmed into the upper 70s and low 80s under partly cloudy skies and low levels of humidity.  Most of Monday will be dry, but an incoming upper level wave to the northwest may allow a few more clouds to spill into northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin during the afternoon.

A pattern change, however, is in the works that will feature a much cooler start to the month of August.  Low pressure will move southeast out of southern Canada beginning Wednesday, bringing with it a chance for thunderstorms both Wednesday and Thursday.  Storms Thursday could be strong ahead of a cold front if enough instability is able to develop during the afternoon and evening.

Following the cold front Thursday night, a much

cooler air mass will follow for the remainder of the week and weekend.  Skies will likely remain mostly cloudy, holding temperatures down into the 70s.  Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will be possible both Friday and Saturday.  Temperatures will remain slightly below average through at least the first week and a half of August.  Average highs during the beginning of August should be in the 82 degree to 84 degree range.