Steady rain likely Tuesday, severe threat highest south of I-88

This very dry month of May is about to take a 180° turn as steady rain is on the table today. Widespread light to at times moderate rain is beginning to fill in this morning so if your morning routine takes you out the door early, have the umbrella in hand. 

Rain will remain likely for a good part of Tuesday, though it’s likely to be more intermittent and scattered in coverage after the midday hours. In nature, this will be a cold wind-driven rain as winds, especially early on in the day, are likely to gust to up to 35 to 40 mph. This will help keep our afternoon highs below average, in the mid to upper 50s.

In terms of severe weather potential, the overall threat is low. However, the Storm Prediction Center does have a level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk extending up into our far southern locales so areas south of I-88. IF storms can materialize, gusty winds and large hail will be the primary concerns, though a tornado or two cannot be ruled out as the incoming low will provide the atmosphere with extra spin. 

With this low sitting close by, scattered light showers will remain possible for much of the day Wednesday. On a positive note, the rainfall we see over the next 24 to 36 hours will leave behind healthy totals, with most picking up .5" to 1.5". A few showers may linger into early Thursday before conditions dry out ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.