After a few isolated showers and storms moved across northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin earlier this morning, most of the morning and afternoon will remain dry. It will still have a sticky feel though, with dew points in the low 70's. Temperatures will climb into the mid 80's, but the heat index will climb into the mid and upper 90's for the majority of the area.
Our main focus today however, will be the thunderstorm potential that continues this evening. Storms will develop ahead of a cold front to our north and west this afternoon and will approach the area around 5-6PM. A line of storms, and potentially a few lines of storms will dive southeast across the area through the evening tonight. 
Right now a slight risk for severe storms is over the area, and includes portions of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri. The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the Rockford area, and portions of southern Wisconsin to an enhanced risk of severe storms. Storms could pack a punch with strong straight line winds, hail, and very heavy rain. Instability soars this afternoon, which would support thunderstorms across the area through the evening.
Once the severe threat dies down tonight, the heavy rain threat will linger overnight. Forecast rain totals now sit around 1-2.5" possible, though some localized higher amounts will be possible. We will need to monitor for the potential for localized flash flooding tonight.
When the cold front passes Wednesday morning, showers should exit the area as drier air tries to work it's way in. Clouds will be slow to disperse Wednesday afternoon, but more sunshine is expected Thursday. Check back later for updates on storm potential tonight, and make sure to have a way to receive any watches or warning if we should get them.
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