60s and 70s return for the first weekend of Meteorological Spring

As we prepare to close the books on Meteorological Winter, we look back at a season that for the most part had more of a spring-like feel to it. 

The only month that participated in winter's teeth-chattering shenanigans was January, and that's all thanks to two potent winter storms and an Arctic blast. Otherwise, the Stateline's weather headlines have been all about unseasonably warm spells. So much so that both February and this winter will go down as the warmest on record.

Wednesday's bitter cold thankfully doesn't look to continue into today as winds will be more out of the south-southwest. That, along with sun-filled skies will allow temperatures to climb well into the 40s. 

Today's warm breeze will also play a role in a elevated risk for wildfires to spread. While the threat today isn't nearly as significant as Monday, it’s at least something to monitor. High pressure keeps us quiet overnight, with temperatures falling into the low 30s by daybreak Friday. 

Forecast models then show a weak disturbance ejecting from the southwest U.S, landing in central IL by mid-day Friday. Most if not all the shower activity with this system will remain to our south. 

All it will do locally is add a few clouds to our skies. Highs will continue to trend upward, landing in the low 50s for most locales. 

This weekend's forecast, even better. Flow remains out of the south and southwest, pushing temperatures back into the 60s and 70s. With this weekend's warmth comes a good amount of vitamin D. Our next best chance for rain and even a few thunderstorms doesn't arrive until Monday.