Few Storms Possible Overnight, Remaining Hazy & Cool into Next Week

Few Storms Overnight:

A cold front sliding in from the north will bring the Stateline an opportunity to see a few thunderstorms early Saturday night. In the latest severe outlook, the Storm Prediction Center has brought the Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) southward into northern Illinois, with strong wind being the main concern with any strong to severe storm. Thunderstorm chances remain isolated, with chances being best between sunset and 2AM. Otherwise, much of the overnight hours look to remain dry and comfortable, with temperatures falling back into low 60s.

Widespread Haze Likely:

Another important component to the forecast moving forward is going to be thick haze caused by the smoke from the wildfires up in Canada. Wind flow both at the surface and in the upper-levels remain dominate out of the north-northwest overnight, allowing for a thicker concentration of smoke to track into the Stateline by early Sunday morning. With that being said, expect hazy skies  to stick around for much of Sunday, with temperatures remaining cool in the upper 70s. Despite there being mostly sunny skies, conditions will appear milky with some hazy sunsets. Air quality will not be greatly affected, however those who are sensitive may noticed some irritation as the thickest of the smoke hovers over us.

Remaining Cool:

Widespread haze won't necessarily be a big issue on Monday, but it will be a bit more noticeable as we head into Tuesday. Thanks to the cold front that slides through Sunday morning, temperatures look to remain cooler-than-average into early next week. Highs will once again top out in the upper 70s Monday afternoon, with temperatures climbing closer to average by Tuesday. Rain chances remain very slim. Aside from tonight's isolated chance, a slight chance here and there will be possible next week. But as for the foreseeable future, there's no sign for us to see a soaking rain event.

Drought conditions remain for northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin

The latest drought monitor shows no change in moderate and severe drought conditions in Illinois, with very little change in drought conditions across Wisconsin.  Moderate drought conditions continue for much of northern Illinois, stretching along and north of Highway 72, with severe drought conditions stretching from Boone to McHenry counties, into Lake County in northeast Illinois. 

 Rainfall for the month of July has been just a little over two inches, nearly 1.5 inches below average for the month to date.  For the year the rainfall deficit sits at 10.58 inches.  While we've had a few heavy rain producing thunderstorms occur throughout the region, the rain hasn't been enough to bring conditions out of the moderate drought status.  The good news, though, the drought conditions haven't worsened.

For Wisconsin there has been little change in drought conditions from last week to this week, with moderate to severe drought conditions continuing for southern Wisconsin.  Rainfall will be limited the next several days as we enter into a slightly cooler and drier pattern.  Only isolated showers possible Saturday evening, with isolated showers into next week.

Meteorological Terminology: What Exactly is a Derecho?

What is a Derecho?

While the term is rarely used, a derecho is a meteorological term that simply means a significant, long-lived wind storm. The word itself comes from the Spanish adjective for straight or direct. In fact, it was only August 10th of last year when the Stateline felt the effects of a derecho as one glided in from the west.

 In the end, it became one of the costliest thunderstorm events in U.S history, totaling up to $7.5 billion in damage. The reason why meteorologists rarely use this term is because the event has to meet a certain criteria to be called a derecho. The most common being that it must produce “continuous or intermittent” damage along a path at least 60 miles wide and 240 miles long, with frequent wind gusts of at least 58 mph.

Wednesday's Wind Event:

The event from August 10th more than qualified. But taking a look at Wednesday's event, it definitely has the mileage to be considered a derecho. From northwest Wisconsin to extreme northeastern Indiana, this line of strong storms traveled a whopping 450 miles. 

The one thing that will have be considered is if this wind event was able to produce frequent wind gusts up to 58 mph during that long stretch. As this line tracked southwards into the Stateline, areas in southeast Wisconsin and portions of northern Illinois experienced wind gusts up to 60-70, even up to 80 mph. Total filtered wind reports as of Friday morning came to 155, with the National Weather Service confirming 5 tornadoes in Wisconsin. 

Normally with this type of storm system, you can have areas along the leading edge of the line develop an inflow region. This helps a kink or an appendage to form, allowing for an area of rotation to develop and quickly tighten up. 

This type of tornado, also known as a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) tornado are brief and are usually given a rating from an EF-0 to as a highs an EF-2. Surveys conducted by the National Weather Service in Milwaukee have concluded that a total of 5 tornadoes have been confirmed. One being an EF-0 with the other four being rated an EF-1. Additional surveys are scheduled to be conducted today.

Pair of Cold Fronts Keeps the Extreme Heat Under Control For the Weekend

Much Cooler To Start:

Despite a cold front sliding through Thursday afternoon, our temperatures still topped out in the upper 80s and low 90s, with the heat index approaching the triple digit mark at times. 

But my goodness, just wait until you step out the door this morning. With a cooler, less humid air-mass filtering in overnight, temperatures Friday morning are kicking off  5°-10° cooler compared to yesterday. Dew points as of a result of Thursday's frontal passage have fallen into the upper 50s & low 60s, so the humidity won't slap you in the face as you leave. With all of this being said, I am happy to say that this cooler, less humid start is a sign for things to come as there are no signs of extreme heat in the foreseeable future.

Comfy Stretch Ahead:

With yesterday's front sitting well to the south over central Illinois, north-northeast winds will help turn the heat down some for our Friday. High temperatures look to top out in the upper 70s for most, with a spot or two touching the low 80s. A mix of clouds and sunshine dominates much of the day before skies look to turn mostly cloudy around sunset. Despite a weak disturbance sliding in, the air remains too dry for us to see any rain chances. While the night begins with mostly cloudy skies, clouds slowly decrease overnight, leaving us with partly cloudy skies by sunrise Saturday morning. 

Saturday will end up a few degrees warmer, thanks to winds shifting to the south-southwest. However, a secondary cold front will slide through overnight into Sunday morning, allowing another round of cooler air to filter into the Great Lakes. Highs over the weekend look to remain in the low 80s, with dew points ranging from the upper 50s to the low 60s. The best of this is, the extreme heat that we felt over the last week or so is nowhere to be found in the near future. In fact, temperatures continue to cool as we head into the new work week, with highs topping out in the upper 70s Monday afternoon.

Severe Weather Threat Ends Early, Warm & Muggy Thursday Ahead

Last Night's Severe Weather:

As expected, severe weather was a huge part of our night last night, as a dangerous line of storms tracked across the Badger State and into the Stateline early Thursday morning. The worst of this line tracked through southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, producing 60-70, even up to 80 mph winds. In response to these storms moving quickly through the Stateline, the National Weather Service cancelled the Severe Thunderstorm Watch that was in place earlier than scheduled. While a few non-severe thunderstorms remain possible into mid-morning, conditions look to dry out as we head into the afternoon. 

Warm & Muggy Thursday:

Even with this morning's thunderstorm activity behind us, you're still going to feel that warmth and humidity walking out. Moisture across the Stateline remains high, as both our air temperatures and dew point temperatures are sitting in the low to mid 70s. Air that feels this gross is something we refer to as "air you can wear", because the humidity will literally smack you in the face once you step out the door.

Ahead of an approaching cold front, winds will remain breezy out of the southwest, keeping the heat and humidity around for one more day. Skies are expected to gradually clear, bring a mixture of clouds and sunshine for the afternoon and evening. Temperatures return into the upper 80s for most. But with dew points still in the upper 60s and low 70s, it will feel more like the low 90s at times. Thankfully, a cooler and less humid air-mass filters in behind today's cold front, bringing a more comfortable end to the work week. Are you ready for highs in the 70s? I sure am! 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued as severe storms could impact parts of the Stateline late Wednesday night

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH has been issued for most of the state of Wisconsin, including the counties of Green, Rock and Walworth until 2am Thursday.  This watch has also been labeled as a 'PDS' Severe Thunderstorm Watch; Particularly Dangerous Situation, meaning the risk of extremely high wind, large hail and isolated tornadoes are particularly high with any thunderstorms that develop.

 Thunderstorms have developed over northern Wisconsin Wednesday evening, quickly turning severe with numerous severe thunderstorm warnings.  These storms have quickly increased in coverage over the last several hours, moving south into southern Wisconsin.  Isolated tornadoes are possible with these storms, as well as widespread wind damage and large hail.  Wind gusts could reach 80-90 mph.

The timeline for the storms to reach southern Wisconsin, possibly northern Illinois, appears to be near Midnight (a little sooner north) through roughly 4am Thursday.  While a watch has not been issued for northern Illinois, it's possible that one may be needed once storms move further south.  Make sure you have a way to receive watches/warnings, especially through the overnight. 

Extreme Heat Returns, Along with the Potential for Severe Weather Wednesday Night

Heat Advisory:

While a round of morning showers and thunderstorms rapidly slowed the heating process on Tuesday, that definitely won't be the case this afternoon. Ahead of today's extreme heat, the National Weather Service has placed a portion of Northern Illinois, including Stephenson, Jo-Daviess, Carroll, and Whiteside county, under a Heat Advisory. This advisory will be in place from 11AM to 8PM, as heat indices will have the potential to soar over the triple-digit mark.  

Hot and Humid Wednesday:

A warm front lifting to our north will help bring a much more humid air-mass into the Stateline by this afternoon. This will help our dew point temperatures climb into the low to mid 70s, making it feel warmer outside than it actually is. The combination of dew points in the 70s and air temperatures in the low 90s will push heat index values into the upper 90s and low 100s, making for a hot and humid afternoon. 

For those who have plans to be outside, please make sure to take this heat seriously. It doesn't take long for signs of heat-related illnesses to show with the heat that will be present later on. Aside from an isolated late-day thunderstorm, most of Wednesday remains dry under a mix of clouds & sunshine. You'll want to make sure to have multiple ways to get watches and warnings before heading to bed this evening, as severe potential quickly ramps up after sunset. 

Overnight Storms:

Earlier this morning, the Storm Prediction made a big upgrade to today's severe place, placing portions of northwest, central, and southeastern Wisconsin under a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for severe weather. The Stateline itself is split between three severe categories, with the highest severe threat set for our southern Wisconsin counties. Initial development looks to take place in eastern Minnesota/northwestern Wisconsin, with storms quickly merging into a line of storms by early this evening. According to the Storm Prediction Center, areas to the north (mainly in the moderate risk) have the potential to see derecho-like conditions, a term that we here at home haven't heard since last August.

Storm Timing:

Models have come into better agreement on the exact track of this line of storms, tracking them southeastward through central Wisconsin and into Lake Michigan overnight. If this scenario were to play out, the Stateline would end up on the southern edge of these storms, with a good portion of the region missing out on  thunderstorm chances as a whole. But, the smallest bump to the south will bring more impacts to the Stateline. If there were a time for the Stateline to see storms, it would be roughly from 11PM through 4AM with the greatest concerns being strong, damaging straight-line winds, as well as large hail and heavy rainfall. Thunderstorm chances continue into early Thursday morning, with conditions slowly drying out into the afternoon. While Thursday will still feel muggy at times, conditions quiet down and cool down into the end of the work week, with highs dropping into the low 80s.

Heat Advisory issued for a portion of the area Wednesday; Strong to severe storms set to follow

A HEAT ADVISORY has been issued for Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside counties beginning 11am Wednesday, lasting through 10pm. 

Isolated storms are possible overnight Tuesday as thunderstorms have started to develop over southeast Minnesota.  The highest risk for strong/severe storms Tuesday night will remain just north of the immediate Stateline, but with higher instability and enough wind shear in the atmosphere overnight a few of those storms could move into southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois after Midnight.  The risk for severe weather would be low, but a few strong storms - should they develop - would be capable of producing gusty winds and small hail.

Moisture will continue to increase Wednesday behind a warm front that'll lie to our north during the afternoon.  This will keep dew point temperatures in the low to mid 70s for much of the day.  Isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the afternoon as the heat builds across the area.  The combination of dew point temperatures in the 70s and air temperatures in the low 90s, the heat index for most will rise into the upper 90s and low 100s.  Wednesday will be similar to what we experienced this past Saturday with the high heat and humidity.

While isolated thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon, a slightly higher risk for strong to severe storms will be possible late Wednesday night/overnight.  Thunderstorms will develop and quickly turn severe in central Wisconsin during the afternoon and evening.  As those individual storms form into a cluster, or MCS, during the evening they'll continue to move south and southeast, entering into southeast Wisconsin around Midnight.  Depending on the exact track of the storms, and the overall position of the winds aloft steering the storms, a portion of that cluster could impact parts of the Stateline.  Areas at most risk appear to be along and east of a line stretching from Janesville to Rockford.  This is where we have a slight risk for severe storms.  An enhanced risk for severe weather resides further north in Wisconsin.

The greatest threat from storms Wednesday night would be strong, damaging wind gusts, as well as large hail.  The time line for storms entering into the Stateline would be roughly from Midnight through 4am.  It's possible that the cluster of storms could remain more to our northeast, impacting more of southeast Wisconsin, Chicago and NW Indiana.  If that's the case then most of the area would remain dry Wednesday night.

We'll know more regarding our storm risk Wednesday night once the storms develop during the afternoon in Wisconsin.  This will help us pinpoint the exact track, timing and highest risk for severe weather during the overnight.

More of the Same on Tap for Tuesday, Severe Potential Arrives Wednesday

Hot Stretch Continues: 

What more can we say besides it was another hot one yesterday. With wall-to-wall sunshine and a bit of a breeze out of the southwest, temperatures had no issues soaring back into the low 90s. While it was a hot afternoon, we were fortunate enough to have dew points in the upper 50s and low 60s, resulting in comfortable humidity levels. However, that is set to quickly change beginning today, and then really becoming a factor by Wednesday.

Feeling the Humidity:

Tuesday begins with a bit more cloud cover, thanks to a round of showers and thunderstorms that are currently moving through central Wisconsin. Cloud cover this morning is expected to thin out a bit by the afternoon, allowing for filtered sunshine. 

That, along with a decent breezy out of the west-southwest, will help temperatures soar back into the 90s for the 22nd time this year. But with that uptick in dew point temperatures, it'll feel warmer than it actually is. If you're planning on attending Day 1 of the Stephenson County Fair, or Food Truck Tuesday over at Sinnissippi Park, remember to keep heat safety in mind. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade, and make sure to have the sunscreen with you. Similar to Monday, the UV Index is back at a 9 on a scale from 1 to 11.

Severe Potential Wednesday:

Wednesday features more of the same. Except, this uptick in heat and humidity will help increase our odds to see severe potential late in the day into Wednesday night. The Storm Prediction Center has shifted the slight risk more to the east-northeast, keeping much of the region under a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather. A cap or what we refer to as a "lid" in the atmosphere should keep thunderstorms chances at bay until late in the day, with thunderstorms first developing across extreme eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Thanks to a strengthening low-level jet, storms should congeal into a line of storms, or something we refer to as an M.C.S (mesoscale convective system). These type of systems are more common during the summertime months, especially when you have a strong ridge of high pressure over the western United States. Gusty winds will be the primary concern as these storms track southeastward towards Lake Michigan, with heavy downpours not too far behind. The same storm system and cold front that bring us Wednesday's thunderstorm chances will also help us slowly cool down into the last weekend of July. 

Stretch of 90s Continue, Humidity Back on the Rise

Summer Heat:

My, oh, my! That's a lot of 90-degree days. In fact, Sunday marked the 20th time that the Rockford International Airport observed a high of 90° or higher. Unfortunately, this heat isn't showing any signs of slowing down as our wind flow remains warm out of the south-southwest. This will likely bring a few more 90-degree days to the Stateline, along with an uptick in our humidity levels. 

Remaining Hot:

If you're heading out the door early this morning, you wouldn't think with how refreshing it feels that another 90° day lies ahead. Temperatures at most of our local airports are sitting 5° to 10° cooler compared to 24 hours ago, in the upper 50s and low 60s. The combination of an abundance of sunshine, along with today's warm winds out of the west-southwest will quickly warm our temperatures back into the low 90s by this afternoon. If you plan to be outside, be sure to have plenty of water and a bottle of sunscreen on hand. With the amount of sunshine the Stateline will see today, the UV Index sits at a 9. Thankfully, the humidity won't be much of issue today, but that can't be said for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Humidity On The Rise:

Models have been consistent on showing a frontal boundary slowing sinking down from the Great Lakes Tuesday into Wednesday. With the front placed to the north of the Stateline, southwest winds stick around, meaning highs in the 90s are a guarantee, with heat indices approaching the triple-digit mark once again. While not as thick as it has been in previous days, the wildfire smoke that continues to stream in from the west-northwest will remain present. Thin concentrations of smoke remain likely to occur throughout the day today, with slightly thicker smoke moving in for Tuesday. Rain chances remain slim, but get a boost late Wednesday into Thursday morning thanks to a secondary boundary that slides through. 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Canceled, Conditions Remain Quiet Overnight

Watch Possible:

According to the Storm Prediction Center, there's a 60% chance that a watch could be issued for the area highlighted in yellow. 

Ahead of an advancing cold front, a few widely scattered showers and thunderstorms have popped up along and south of the Illinois & Wisconsin border. As we carry on into the late afternoon and evening hours, storms may pose a risk for gusty winds, heavy downpours, and frequent lightning. 

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3:30PM Update - Watch Issued:

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for McHenry, Dekalb, and Lee County until 10PM tonight. Due to the fact that these counties are on the northern edge of the watch, I think much of the action will end up happening to our south and east. However, storms will still pose a threat for gusty winds, large hail, and frequent lightning!

 

7:30PM Update - Watch Canceled:

Thunderstorms this evening continue across portions of central Illinois, northern Illinois, and the southern half of Michigan. Since the Stateline hasn't seen much over the last or so, the National Weather Service in Chicago has decided to cancel the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for McHenry, Dekalb, and Lee County. 

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Overnight Forecast:

While a few isolated thunderstorms remain possible early this evening, the rest of the night looks to stay quiet under partly cloudy skies. Once the cold front is fully through the region, our surface winds look to take a turn to the northwest, allowing for a somewhat cooler and less humid air mass to settle in by Sunday morning. Temperatures overnight will end up falling into the mid to upper 60s, a good 5° to 10° cooler compared to what we woke up to Saturday morning. Now, even with this evening's cold front passage, Sunday will be just as hot with afternoon highs landing in the 90s.

Hot, Humid, & Hazy This Weekend, Severe Weather Possible Saturday

Here Comes the Heat:

The heat and humidity was much more noticeable yesterday. Thanks to a warm southerly breeze, afternoon highs at most of our local airports fell a few-degree short of the 90° mark. With the 90s in mind, the Rockford Airport has observed an astounding 17 90-degree days so far this year. This already puts us 2 days above what we see on average for the ENTIRE year. Crazy huh? What's even more crazy is that number will more than likely be in the 20s by the time we're heading into the middle of next week. 

Hot & Humid Friday:

Once again, the Stateline is waking up to another round of patchy dense fog and thick haze, especially along the Interstate-88 corridor. If you are making your way out the door early, give yourself a few extra minutes for travel. Otherwise, prepare yourself for another hot and humid day. Today's sunshine, along with a warm southwesterly breeze will help push our highs into the upper 80s, with a spot or two landing in the low 90s.

For those heading to Day 2 of the Lee County Fair or to Rockford's City Market, please take this heat seriously. With the humidity factored in, heat index values late this afternoon will be pushing the mid to upper 90s. Remember to drink plenty of water, and to take frequent breaks in the shade. 

Like Thursday, this hot and humid air will result in a chance for a few isolated late-day showers and thunderstorms. Again, severe weather is NOT expected. Conditions quiet down overnight, with temperatures falling into the low 70s by sunrise. Tomorrow's mild start will be a sign for things to come for the upcoming weekend as this hot and humid stretch shows no signs of slowing down. 

Cranking Up The Heat:

The worst of this extreme heat will be felt during the day on Saturday. With dew point temperatures sitting in the low 70s, our heat index will approach the 100° mark multiple times during the afternoon. Even with a cold front surging through the region overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, little to no relief is anticipated for the end of the weekend. Although our winds look to take a turn to the northwest following this cold frontal passage, high temperatures Sunday will end up in the low 90s, with heat index values back in the mid to upper 90s. 

Saturday's Severe Threat:

Along with Saturday's cold front does come another chance for showers and thunderstorms. Only this time around, the environment that will be in place ahead of this frontal boundary will allow for the potential for severe weather. 

As of this morning, the Storm Prediction Center upgrades areas west of I-90/I-39 to a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5), with the remainder of the area under a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5). Gusty winds, small-sized hail, and heavy rainfall look to be the biggest concerns. With not much spin or turn in the atmosphere, Saturday's tornado threat remains very low. Guidance does show the potential for thunderstorms arriving after 3PM-4PM, with chances lasting into sunset. The one question that remains is the "Cap", or lid that will be in place just above the surface. If the "cap" holds, our chances will decrease. But if updrafts are strong enough to break the "cap", severe weather will be a big possibility. Stay up-to-date with the forecast for any changes. 

Hotter & More Humid Times Lie Ahead, Worst of the Heat Arrives Over the Weekend

Only Getting Hotter From Here:

Wednesday featured a lovely break from the summer heat and humidity, as high temperatures for most topped out in the upper 70s. Yes, we had a few isolated showers stick around with us into the afternoon, but the low heat and humidity gave us a great reason to shut the A/C unit off and open up those windows. Unfortunately, that won't be the case today as the heat and humidity is set to ramp up in a big way setting the stage for a hot weekend.

 Turn On The A/C:

Remember the frontal boundary that came through Tuesday evening? You know, the one that helped filtered in yesterday's "comfortableness"? It's because of that same boundary that our daily high temperatures get a big boost before the weekend, with highs in the 90s lasting well into next week. 

Winds as this frontal boundary lifts through today will shift to the south-southwest, allowing highs to make a significant jump from the upper 70s yesterday to the upper 80s Friday, and then into the low 90s by Saturday afternoon. Along with this uptick in heat and humidity comes a chance for a few late-day thunderstorms both today and Friday. Thankfully, severe weather is not expected. 

90s Into Next Week:

The worst of this incoming round of heat and humidity is scheduled to arrive over the weekend, as heat index values look to approach or even eclipse the 100° mark. I may sound like a broken record but it's VERY important to include heat safety in your weekend plans. With extreme heat like this, it's important to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in the shade. Wearing light clothing is another great way to keep yourself safe from the extreme heat. A cold front sliding through late Saturday into Sunday won't bring temperatures down all that much into new work week, but it will bring us a little relief in regards to the humidity. While the heat continues, high pressure will move in following Saturday's cold frontal passage, bringing a better chance for sunshine early next week.

Cooler Wednesday, Heat & Humidity Ramps Up Beginning Tomorrow

Split In Between:

So far, the month of July has feature a split between above-average and below-average days, with both categories sitting at 9 days. Ahead of yesterday's "backdoor" cold frontal passage, the daily high temperature at the Rockford International Airport just made it to the 90° mark. With the frontal boundary now pushing into Central Illinois, Wednesday features a much cooler and less humid forecast compare to what arrives late in the week.

Much Cooler Wednesday:

The Stateline is already feeling the effects of Wednesday's frontal passage, as most spots as most of our spots are waking up in the low 60s. The one thing to keep an eye on travel-wise and health-wise will be the smoke/patchy fog that still lingers near the surface. This will not only make for a reduction in visibility, but it will also make our air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups. If you're someone who has any respiratory issues, plan your day accordingly and make sure to take any necessary precautions to be safe. Otherwise, Wednesday remains quiet with a sprinkle or two possible during the morning hours. Cloud cover this morning is expected to decrease somewhat into the afternoon, leading to some sunshine. However, it's going to feel much more comfortable and cooler out there with highs for most topping out in the upper 70s. 

Dangerous Heat:

It pains me to say this, but today is going to be the coolest day of the next 7 days as a very summer-like air-mass is set to move in. The same frontal boundary that came through yesterday is expected to lift back northward as a warm front, causing a shift in our surface winds to the southwest. Our daily highs will quickly jump from the upper 70s/low 80s today to the low 90s starting Friday. With no plans of slowing down, our high temperatures look to remain in the 90s into the start of next week. Of course, it's not just the heat. The humidity is expected to rise beginning tomorrow, and gets to humid levels by this weekend.

Ways to Stay Safe:

With the humidity factored in, heat indices are expected to climb into the mid-90s Friday and Saturday, and could be near the 100° mark by Sunday. Plan accordingly and make sure to include heat safety in your weekend plans. Remember, when we sweat, the sweat needs to evaporate so that our bodies can stay cool. 

When it's dry outside, this process occurs at a quicker rate. But when it's humid, your body uses up more energy to get rid of that sweat. A few steps to consider, drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade.Consider your pets as well because remember, your pets ARE family too. Be sure to keep their walks short and confined to grassy surfaces.

Hazy/smoky skies likely Tuesday evening following cold front passage

 

The smoke from the wildfires in southern and central Canada have provided more of a hazy sky the last few days over the Midwest, Plains and Great Lakes.  But the smoke Tuesday has become a little more problematic, especially in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as skies have filled with quite a bit of smoke down closer to the surface.  This has actually reduced visibility for residents in northern and central Wisconsin, prompting Air Quality Alerts to be issued.  This means higher concentrations of fine particulate matter could reach unhealthy levels for the more sensitive group levels.  Those include children, elderly people and individuals with respiratory and cardiac problems.

A cold front, known as a back door cold front because it is coming more from the northeast, is quickly moving through Wisconsin and down Lake Michigan.  The air behind the front is a little more dense causing it to sink down towards the surface.  The last few days the smoke from the wildfires has remained well above the surface, in the upper levels of the atmosphere.  But the sinking air behind the front is pulling that smoke down closer to the surface.

Higher concentrations of the smoke will be noticed further north but hazy, and for some smoky, skies are likely to impact areas further south; this includes northern Illinois later tonight.  The cold front is expected to pass through between 6pm and 8pm Tuesday.  As it does the wind will be shifting around to the northeast.  This is when we could see a little more haze/smoke fill our skies, as well as potentially even smelling the smoke.  Some of that could carry over into Wednesday morning but the impacts will be a little lower at that time.  With the upper level winds shifting more to the west and southwest later in the week, the haze and smoke won't be as much of an issue.