Widespread rainfall has been in short supply the last couple of weeks as summer-time thunderstorm coverage becomes more isolated. The last time Rockford recorded rainfall over an inch was back on the 18th of June when 1.77 inches fell. Since then, rainfall totals have been less than two tenths of an inch (at least at the airport). Isolated thunderstorms over the last week have locally produced heavy rain, but that rain has not been widespread.
As we wrap up the month of June and look ahead into the month of July temperatures will continue to warm - rising into the upper 80s and low 90s. Overall, June was a warm month with the average monthly temperature (highs and lows combined) reaching just over 73 degrees. This was three degrees *above* our monthly average. Unfortunately, precipitation ended up below average with only 3.38 inches being recorded - which was 1.85 inches *below* average.
Isolated thunderstorm chances return Wednesday and Thursday just before the heat this holiday weekend. High pressure sliding to our south tonight will work to turn winds to the southwest Wednesday, warming afternoon temperatures back close to 90. Dew points, however, should remain in check which should limit the overall humid feel during the afternoon.
Jet stream winds aloft will move in from the northwest allowing a few upper-level disturbances to slide through the Midwest and western Great Lakes. These disturbances, when paired with the heating of the day, will allow for the chance of an isolated storm or two to develop during the afternoon and evening. Thursday we may see a slightly better chance with a little more moisture present in the atmosphere. If we do see isolated thunderstorms there remains a chance that a storm or two could reach severe limits, posing a risk for strong winds and/or hail.
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