Meteorological Winter begins Thursday

 

It definitely felt like Winter Wednesday afternoon with temperatures tumbling into the 20s and chills in the single digits and teens. The wind didn't make it feel any better, gusting as high as 35-40 mph at times. Wind speeds will ease some as high pressure builds in. Unfortunately, this will mean our overnight lows will drop into the teens, with wind chills in the single digits. We will see sunshine return Thursday as winds increase once again from the south late in the day. Highs Thursday will warm into the middle 30s.

Thursday is also the beginning of Meteorological Winter; the three-month period of December, January and February which are climatologically the coldest three months out of the year. The average high at the beginning of the month starts out right around 40s degrees but drops to 30 degrees by the end. January is typically our coldest month with an average high in the upper 20s. It's also, on average, our snowiest month with just under 11 inches of snow falling. By February temperatures will begin to warm, slowly, but average highs are still in the 30s. Meteorologists and Climatologists use these three-month periods for record keeping, as it's easier and more consistent than using the astronomical start of the seasons. Astronomical Winter begins Wednesday, December 21st. 

Windy & Very Cold Wednesday, Next Cold Spell Arrives This Weekend

Why So Windy:

Despite Tuesday's thick cloud cover, temperatures were still able to peak in the low to mid 50s thanks to a rather gusty southerly wind.

Gusty winds remain the big weather headline for our Wednesday. But this time, they will be blowing out of a much colder direction, which will result in a bitterly cold end to the month of November and to the meteorological Autumn season. When it comes to depicting wind strength, it's all depends on how tight the pressure gradient is at the surface. In today's case, the lines of pressure (a.k.a isobars) around northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will be squeezed tightly in between a high pressure system over the central plains and the mature storm system over the Great Lakes.

Windy & Cold: 

As a result, wind gusts throughout the day will range between 30-40 mph. Despite the fact that this morning's cloud cover will gradually clear into the afternoon, these strong westerly to northwesterly winds will restrict highs to the upper 20s. 

If that isn't cold enough, wind chill values will remain in the teens, then drop into the single-digits around the time the evening commute concludes. Whether you plan to leave early in the morning or sometime during the afternoon, it'll be best to pack on those layers to beat today's bitterly cold forecast. With a mostly clear sky overnight, temperatures are expected to cool into the upper teens, making for another chilly start to the day tomorrow. Although winds gradually decrease overnight, there will be enough of a breeze present to keep wind chills in the single-digits. 

Next Cold Spell:

Improvements slowly filter in as we await the arrival of our next cold front. With a more southerly to southwesterly wind in place, highs will peak in the upper 30s on Thursday, then soar into the low 50s for Friday afternoon. 

Clouds are then expected to increase late Friday into Friday night as our next cold front slides in from the west-northwest. In a similar fashion to Tuesday's front, a small chance for a light shower or two will accompany the frontal passage. However, it's the cold air that filters in behind the front that will become the bigger headline. Highs Saturday will only peak in the low 30s, with temperatures falling to near 20° by Sunday morning. Like this week's cold snap, the one ticketed for this weekend will be brief as highs aim to climb back towards 40° mark both Sunday and Monday. 

Single digit wind chills Wednesday morning

 

Temperatures Tuesday evening have fallen quite a bit following a strong cold front. Highs reached the low to mid 50s Tuesday afternoon but have since dropped into the 20s and 30s, with wind chills in the teens.

The cold front is to our east, but the cold air will continue to move in through the night. Gusty west to northwest winds will reach 30-35 mph during that time pushing wind chills into the teens, and then single digits, for the start of Wednesday. This means that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes.

West/northwest winds will increase slightly during the day Wednesday, gusting 30-35 mph at times. Temperatures will start out in the low 20s in the morning but won't rise much during the afternoon, settling in the upper 20s. Wind chills through the afternoon will remain in the teens. Winds will ease some Wednesday night as temperatures fall to the middle teens. Wind chills in the single digits are likely once again Thursday morning, but the wind won't be as strong as high pressure moves through the Stateline.  

Few Showers Late, Gusty Winds Usher in Next Cold Snap

Little Fog to Start:

Once again, our day kicks off with a little fog. But fortunately for us, the fog layer that's out there this morning isn't even close to being as dense as what developed Monday morning. With that being said, it wouldn't surprise me if we did see visibility values for a few drop to or below 3 miles. Just to be on the safe side, use extra caution while traveling during the morning commute hours.  

Tuesday's Storm System:

A rather strong and dynamic late-fall storm system is expected to sweep across the midsection of the lower 48 today. To the south of the low, a significant threat for severe weather lies across portions of the deep south. 

For us, a few light rain showers will be possible with the associated cold front, followed by a rather quick drop in temperatures. Prior to this evening's cold front, skies remain mostly cloudy. Despite that however, a rather potent wind out of the south and southeast will help temperatures climb into the mid 50s. Normally, average highs towards the end of November are falling into the low 40s.

Cooling Down Quick:

Regarding the strength of today's winds, there's no wind advisory in place for any of our counties yet. But wind gusts will be able to peak between 30-40 mph this afternoon, this evening, and even throughout the night tonight. 

If you have any loose objects or any inflatable Christmas decorations, make sure they are either secured properly or are brought inside. For the evening commute, keep in mind that it will still be windy and there will be the chance for a few showers. Shower chances will carry on into the first half of tonight, with maybe a few snowflakes mixing towards the end. Overall, most if not all of our spots should wind up with a tenth of an inch or less. 

Winds remain strong, but shift to the north and northwest overnight. This quick change in wind will help filter a very cold air-mass into the Stateline from the Upper Midwest and southern Canada. Temperatures go from the mid 50s this afternoon to the low 20s Wednesday morning. 

With a strong and cold wind sticking around for Wednesday, expect temperatures to struggle to make it out of the 20s. If that isn't cold enough, wind chills values will be limited to the teens, before falling into the single-digits overnight. It's safe to say that if you need to be out and about, you'll want to pack on those layers. The coldest air arrives overnight Wednesday into Thursday, allowing temperatures to land in the upper teens prior to sunrise. BUNDLE UP FOLKS!

Significant Severe Weather Likely Across the Deep South

Severe in the South:

While Tuesday's opportunity for rain spells no chance for severe weather locally, that cannot be said for those who live in the deep south. 

Overnight, the Storm Prediction Center placed areas stretching from extreme northeast Louisiana to extreme southwest Tennessee under a level 4/5 moderate risk for severe weather. 

Included in the moderate risk area is 15% hatched tornado risk and a 30% hatched area for damaging winds. When we say a "hatched" area, that means a 10% or higher probability for significant severe events within 25 miles of any point. This includes severe events such as tornadoes rated EF2 or greater, thunderstorm wind gusts of hurricane force (74 mph) or higher, or hail 2 inches or larger in diameter. 

In Tuesday's case, supercells that develop in a very moist and unstable warm sector will be capable of producing all severe hazards, including the potential for a long-track tornado. If you know anybody who lives in these areas, make sure they are aware and up-to-date with the forecast!

Dense Fog Advisory Issued, Ups & Downs Return

Slick/Foggy AM Commute:

Watch your step and give yourself a little extra travel time if you plan to leave this morning. Residual moisture, clearing skies, and light winds have allowed a bit of dense fog to develop. 

Now, the combination of the dense fog, along with the below freezing temperatures will likely result in the formation of what we call freezing fog. This type of Fog is comprised of very tiny water droplets that when super-cooled can instantly freeze with it makes contact with a surface. This will likely lead to a couple of slick spots during your morning travels, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.

Dense Fog Advisory:

For the dense fog potential this morning, the National Weather Service in Chicago have placed Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, and Dekalb counties under a DENSE FOG advisory until 8am. Up until then, visibility values will register at or below .5 miles. Again, use extra caution and take it slow this morning! 
 

Tranquil Monday:

Once we see this morning's round of dense freezing fog let up, the rest of our Monday remains quite tranquil under a partly cloudy sky. Winds are to become breezy out of the south, which will allow temperatures to peak in the mid to upper 40s once again. Ahead of our next storm system, cloud cover will increase Monday night. This will help slow down the cooling process overnight, landing temperatures in the mid 30s prior to sunrise.  

Ups & Downs Return:

Look for clouds to dominate our skies for much of our Tuesday. Despite the cloudy trend however, a rather potent south to southeasterly wind will help temperatures soar into the 50s. Moisture streaming in ahead of our next big frontal passage will result in the potential for a few showers, especially late in the afternoon and during the evening. Behind this frontal passage, a much cooler air-mass barrels into the Midwest and into the Great Lakes.

This will send temperatures tumbling into Wednesday, with highs struggling to climb out of the 20s. The coldest air arrives overnight Wednesday into Thursday as lows aim to register in the upper teens. Fortunately, this first shot of cold air is brief as temperatures slowly recover into the 30s Thursday, then 40s by Friday. With that being said, another cold front aims to slide through late Friday night, allowing temperatures to tumble into the 30s for the weekend.

Freezing fog/slick spots possible Sunday night/Monday morning

 

Residual moisture and light winds Sunday night has caused patchy fog to develop across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois roughly along the I-39/90 corridor. As temperatures fall below freezing, freezing fog is currently being reported in Janesville, WI.

The combination of the moisture and sub-freezing temperatures may be enough to produce some icy and slick spots through night, into Monday morning.

Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will be most at risk for those slick conditions. Be sure to use extra caution when out driving Monday morning.

Sunshine returns Monday; Brief Winter-like chill middle of the week

 

Skies were filled with plenty of cloud cover Sunday afternoon as low pressure moved through central Illinois. Light rain showers also occurred, but skies were able to dry out late in the day. Temperatures stayed in the low 40s with wind chills in the 30s throughout much of the afternoon.

Cloud cover has mostly cleared out, but there are some clouds filtering in from the southwest late Sunday evening. This will leave our skies partly

cloudy during the overnight as temperatures fall to the middle 20s. It's also likely that areas of fog will occur, especially with some linger low-level moisture and where the skies are a little more clear. There is already some shallow ground fog being reported in south-central Wisconsin.

After some of the fog clears Monday morning we should see a return of sunshine for the afternoon. Winds will turn back to the south warming temperatures into the middle 40s. Cloud cover comes back in Monday night ahead of a rather strong late Fall storm system that'll bring snow showers from the central Plains, into the Midwest late Monday night and Tuesday. A warm front spreading north into Wisconsin will keep the Stateline in the warm sector, meaning temperatures Tuesday afternoon will warm back into the low to mid 50s. Skies will remain cloudy, however, as south winds - gusty at times - continue to pull moisture north. There may be a spotty shower or two, or areas of drizzle, throughout the afternoon but it does look like the daylight hours will remain mostly rain free.

A strong cold front will quickly march east pulling through northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin around Midnight Tuesday. Ahead of the front temperatures are likely to remain in the low 50s but fall quickly once the front passes. This means when you wake up Wednesday morning temperatures are most likely to start out in the upper 20s and low 30s.

Winds will remain strong throughout the afternoon

Wednesday which will keep wind chills in the teens for much of the day. High pressure late Wednesday night and early Thursday will cause lows to fall into the teens.   The winter-like chill will be short-lived, however, as temperatures are quick to warm back above average into next weekend.

Windy and chilly Sunday afternoon

 

Temperatures Saturday afternoon warmed into the low to mid 50s, reaching 54 degrees in Rockford. Skies were filled with plenty of sunshine, but cloud cover did move in during the late afternoon and evening leaving our skies mostly cloudy Saturday night.

Skies are expected to remain dry for most of Saturday night as rain showers begin to lift north, tied to an area of low pressure in the south. The center of that

low will move through southern Illinois, but the leading edge of the rain will move across northern Illinois. The air mass over the Stateline is pretty dry so any of the rain, especially early in the day Sunday, will likely stay light. It's also possible that a few locations don't receive much rain at all.

Heavier showers are expected further south, across central Illinois. Rainfall amounts will range from a few hundredths of an inch, up to a couple tenths of 

an inch through early afternoon. Temperatures in a few locations will drop into the 30s which could allow some wet snowflakes to mix in mid to late morning. No snow accumulation is expected. As drier air moves in behind a cold front Sunday afternoon the rain will come to an end, but skies remain mostly cloudy through the evening.

Winds are also going to increase from the northwest, gusting to around 25 mph. This will

hold temperatures in the low 40s through Noon, dropping through the 30s by the afternoon. It'll feel quite different Sunday than it has the last few days. The good news, sunshine does return Monday with temperatures warming through the middle 40s.

   

Sunny & Warm for Stroll On State, Rainy Sunday to Follow

Pleasant Stretch:

Temperatures have rebounded quite nicely following the rather bitterly cold stretch we had during the mid portions of the month. 

In fact, yesterday marked the fourth straight day in which the Rockford International Airport registered a high temperature in the 50s. Thankfully, another warm and tranquil day lies ahead for the start of the weekend, which is great news for anybody who plans to travel back home, put up holiday lights, or attend any local holiday festivities. 

Stroll on State:

Speaking of holiday festivities, we've got Stroll on State happening this afternoon. After a chilly start to our Saturday, plenty of sun and an increasing southwest breeze will help temperatures soar into the 50s by the time things get underway. 

Moisture will slowly increase late in the day as our next storm system lifts out of the southern plains and moves into the Midwest states. This will result in an increase in cloud cover towards the late afternoon and early evening time-frame. Despite having a mostly cloudy sky overhead, rain chances will continue to hold off, meaning the tree lighting ceremony and the fireworks show should go as planned with no interruptions from mother nature. 

Rainy, Raw Sunday:

Sunday will be more of an inside day. But if you plan to go to church or plan to be out and about, have the rain gear with you. Scattered rain showers will be a decent bet, especially during the first half of the day. With a chilly north to northeast wind in place, temperatures will slowly fall into the 30s as we roll into the afternoon hours. This will be cool enough for a few of Sunday's rain showers to feature a few mixed snowflakes. 

Next Week's Cold Snap:

All in all, rainfall amounts will range from just a few hundredths of an inch, up to a quarter of an inch. Higher amounts are expected south of I-88. As the storm system ejects into the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes, drying will take place Sunday night into Monday morning. 

Southwest flow quickly returns, allowing highs to bounce back into the mid 40s. Ahead of our next cold front, high temperatures on Tuesday will peak in the mid to upper 50s. But next week's quick warm up will be followed by a rather quick cool-down. As cold air sweeps into the western Great Lakes, temperatures Wednesday and Thursday only look to peak in the lower 30s. From what forecast models showed this morning, next week's cool-down will be brief. Highs aim to climb back above-average by Friday afternoon.

Rain showers return late Saturday/Sunday

 

Following a bit of cloud cover and a few widely isolated showers Thanksgiving, Friday was an absolutely beautiful afternoon with highs reaching the upper 40s and low 50s under mostly sunny skies. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear through the night which will allow temperatures to fall into the low 30s. Patchy frost and fog are possible early Saturday.

If you're looking to head out for the start of the weekend, whether it be traveling back home, putting up holiday lights or taking place in some local holiday festivities that may be going on, the weather - at least for Saturday - looks to cooperate nicely! After a cold start, temperatures will warm by the afternoon into the middle 50s. Winds will turn a little gusty from the southwest around 25 mph. Skies will start out clear, but an increase in cloud cover can be expected by the evening and overnight.

A split flow in our jet stream pattern will help keep the majority of Saturday afternoon and evening dry, but rain showers are expected to return overnight Saturday into early Sunday. The rain will arrive as an area of low pressure, currently over the southern Plains, lifts northeast into Illinois and Indiana. As it does moisture is set to increase which will bring us our chance for rain by Sunday morning.

Sunday will be more of an inside day with rain

showers expected throughout much of the afternoon and temperatures falling into the 30s by late afternoon. As some of the showers linger into the afternoon, it's possible that a few snowflakes could mix in across north-central Illinois and south-central Wisconsin. Rainfall amounts will range from just a few hundredths of an inch, up to a quarter of an inch. Higher amounts are expected south of I-88. 

No snow accumulation is expected, but winds will turn blustery from the northwest keeping quite the chill in the air for the afternoon and evening. Temperatures Sunday night will fall into the mid 20s.    

Sunshine Returns, Rain Chances Holds Off for Stroll On State

November's Snowiest Day:

Here's a little Rockford weather history for you before we dive into the forecast. On this day back in 2018, an early season winter storm dumped 11.7" of snow at the Rockford International Airport. Personally, I will always remember this major winter storm for a few reasons. 

One, because of the blizzard conditions it brought to the Kansas City area which is where I lived at the time. And second, how much of that snow actually stuck around by the time I made the move to the Rockford area in early December. To this day, this stands as November's snowiest day on record, with the 9.5" that fell on November 6-7, 1951 coming in behind it. Thankfully, a snow event of this magnitude isn't in the cards for Black Friday or the near future. But as we've hinting at, a storm system lifting into the Midwest will bring us precipitation chances sometime over the upcoming weekend. 

Sun-Filled Black Friday:

If you plan to head out for those deals early in the day, make sure to put on that thicker coat. Under clearing skies, temperatures have fallen into the low to mid 30s prior to sunrise. 

Unlike Thanksgiving, sunshine will dominate the skies over the Stateline from start to finish. Temperature-wise, most of our local airports should land in the upper 40s. But I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of our spots briefly touched the 50-degree mark. Not a bad way to end a rather pleasant and worry-free holiday week if you ask me. Clear skies are on tap for tonight, with temperatures falling back into the lower 30s.

Stroll on State Forecast:

Saturday also begins on a sun-filled note. That, along with a rather organized southwesterly wind will result in a 5th straight 50° day. In fact, those highs in the lower 50s would come at the time the Stroll on State Parade is set to commence. Also at that time, we'll begin to see clouds gather up across the region as our next storm system approaches from the south-southwest.

Sunday's Rainfall:

Forecast models increase our chance for rain as we jump into Saturday night. Rain then looks to be a decent bet for Sunday, especially during the early stages of the day. In addition to the rain, winds will become rather gusty by Sunday afternoon, with gusts ranging from 35 to 45 mph. 

These winds will be out of the northwest, helping pull in a much cooler air-mass for not only Sunday but also for the start of next week. Expect highs to land closer to average in the lower 40s. However, bigger changes reside with a stronger frontal boundary that is expected to pass on through overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Temperatures will tumble from the upper 40s and low 50s Tuesday to low to mid 30s. Overnight lows Wednesday night look to drop back into the teens. BRRRRR!

Few Spotty Showers for Turkey Day, Sunshine Returns Friday

Thanksgiving Forecast: 

In my opinion, Wednesday's weather was a perfect 10 out of 10. Especially when you compare it to what we typically see in late-November. Under a sun-filled sky from beginning to end, high temperatures peaked in the mid to upper 50s. 

Now, I wish I could say more of the same weather was on tap for the Thanksgiving holiday. But unfortunately, that won't be the case. In fact, today features a lot more cloud cover and the potential for a few showers thanks to our next frontal passage. Thankfully, the nature of today's rain will be spotty and light as most of the atmospheric moisture will be straddled to the developing low pressure system over the southern plains. All in all, travel impacts will be very minimal. Despite the cloud cover, highs will still manage to climb into the upper 40s, close to the 50-degree mark. 

Sunshine Returns:

Conditions slowly improve following this evening's cold front, with clouds decreasing into the early stages of Friday. This will result in a more sun-filled forecast for those heading out for Black Friday, with highs peaking in the upper 40s. 

As we await the arrival of our next storm system, our forecast remains tranquil into the first half of the weekend. Saturday begins on a sun-filled note, with clouds gathering up into the afternoon. Along for the ride may come a low chance for a spotty shower or two. However, it's not until Saturday evening and Saturday night in which we really see our chance for showers increase. A sigh of relief for those who plan to attend this year's edition of Stroll on State.

Soggy Sunday:

Sunday looks to be a soggy one, especially during the early portions of the day. As this weekend's rain-maker pulls away, expect conditions to dry out late in the day into Sunday night. However, with cloud cover sticking around and with a northwest surface wind in place, high temperatures will be limited to the low 40s. The weather from there remains dry and seasonable for Monday, with rain chances increasing towards midweek.

Pleasant Wednesday, Travel Impacts Remain Very Low

Trending Upward:

November sure has featured quite the ups and down when it comes to our high temperatures. Thankfully, the trend as of late has been in the right direction as we've gone from the brutally cold 20s to the pleasant 50s all in a 5-day span. These improvements not only look to carry on into our Wednesday, but also into Thanksgiving.

Pleasant Wednesday:

Before you head out this morning, there will be a few things you'll need to prepare for. One is the cold. For the third straight morning, temperatures have rapidly fallen into 20s prior to sunrise. 

Secondly, patchy fog will be a possibility during the morning commute hours, especially in spots where winds stay light or calm. Any fog that does manage to develop will be quick to burn off, leaving us with beautiful sunshine for the rest of the morning. That, along with a somewhat more organized southwesterly wind will result in another quick temperature climb, placing most in the mid to upper 50s this afternoon. Towards the evening, clouds will gather up, leaving skies mostly cloudy during the overnight hours. 

Thanksgiving Forecast:

Cloud cover will be present for much of the Thanksgiving holiday. However, it will still feature seasonably mild temperatures with highs peaking in the upper 40s and lower 50s. 

As we've been putting out there over the last few days, a few light rain showers will be possible during the afternoon and evening as a frontal boundary approaches. As we've also been emphasizing, tomorrow's rain doesn't look to bring any disruptions to your travel plans. Rainfall amounts look to remain light, with most picking up a quarter of an inch or less. Expect cloud cover to stick around into Thursday night, with conditions drying out for Black Friday.

Pleasant Tuesday Ahead, Few Showers Still on Tap for Thanksgiving

Streak Ended:

Well folks, that cold spell we were under for a week and a half has FINALLY come to a close. Yesterday's high of 46° marked the first above-average day in Rockford since we observed record-breaking warmth back on the 10th. 

Now, for those who loved yesterday's improvements, I am happy to say more are on the in the short term. As for the Thanksgiving holiday, we're still tracking at the possibility for a few rain showers. But thankfully, travel impacts remain on the lower end of the spectrum.

Pleasant Tuesday:

In a similar fashion to Monday, today does start off with a bit of a chill. Expect temperatures to be sitting in the low to mid 20s when you're ready to take that first step out the door. 

But once that sun is sitting above the horizon, that along with this morning's southwest wind will quickly bring temperatures into the upper 40s for this afternoon. Skies remain mostly clear overnight, with temperatures falling into the 20s for the 3rd straight night. A warm front will near the Stateline during the day Wednesday but remain just to our west and southwest during the afternoon. With the front may be a deck of clouds which may slow-down our temperature climb at bit. But once skies clear behind the front, expect another seasonably mild afternoon with highs peaking in the lower 50s.

Turkey-Day Chances:

Forecast models then show a split in the jet stream taking place into the Thanksgiving holiday. While the southern piece of this split will be the stronger of the two, the northern piece will have more of an influence on our holiday forecast. As this disturbance slides into the Great Lakes, it will pick up a cold front over the Midwest and bring into the region sometime Thursday evening.

Ahead of this front will be just enough moisture for the potential for a few afternoon and evening showers. Again, this rain chance doesn't look to be significant enough to slow down any travel plans  that you have for the holiday. Any chance for rain will come to an end early Friday morning, with conditions drying out rapidly for Black Friday. High temperatures after the frontal passage takes place only fall a few degrees, from 50° on Thursday to 46° for Friday.

Weather-related travel impacts minimal for Thanksgiving holiday

 

There will be a few light rain showers around late in our Thanksgiving Day holiday but impacts to travel - at least locally - should remain minimal. Under a mostly clear sky Monday night temperatures will fall through the low 30s, down into the low 20s for the start of Tuesday. The gusty west wind we felt during much of the afternoon will turn calm as high pressure settles in over the Stateline. Residents waking up Tuesday morning may notice a little fog, especially north of the state line, as well as some patchy frost.

Winds turn back to the southwest Tuesday afternoon warming temperatures into the middle 40s under a partly cloudy sky. A warm front will near the Stateline during the day Wednesday but remain just to our west and southwest during the afternoon. Some forecast models have been hinting at the potential for low clouds to stick around during the first half of the day Wednesday, limiting just how fast temperatures warm. But it does look like once the front clears the region any cloud cover should clear, leaving us with partly cloudy skies and temperatures warming into the upper 40s by the afternoon.

A storm system moving in from the west will pull a cold front across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin late Thursday evening. Moisture increases ahead of the front, but low pressure developing over the southern Plains will keep the majority of that moisture to the south. This will limit our rain potential during the day Thursday. Highs on Thursday will warm into the upper 40s and low 50s under mostly cloudy skies. Rain chances increase slightly towards sunset, with a few light showers lingering Thursday night.

The majority of the heavy rain will stay to our south and east, having more of an impact in the Southeast and along the East Coast. Temperatures on Friday will warm into the middle to upper 40s. By the weekend, however, the chance for rain does return as low-pressure lifts through the mid-Mississippi River Valley. The extent of how far north the rain moves is still a little up in the air, but showers are possible later Saturday and into Sunday.