Pattern turns unsettled, includes potential for strong to severe storms

Overall, no complaints yesterday as temperatures peaked in the mid to upper 80s under decent sun. Coming up, we have a few unsettled days which include the potential for scattered strong to severe storms through Saturday afternoon. 

Today starts off dry, though we can expect the chance for showers and storms to return after midday as the remnants of what is currently sweeping across the Plains Wednesday evening, slip into northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. This will be aided by a weak disturbance moving into Iowa, and eventually into northwest Illinois late this evening. Heavy downpours as well a few strong wind gusts will be possible with any strong storm. 

The highest potential arrives Saturday as the system's cold front approaches. In their latest round of severe outlooks, the Storm Prediction Center has a good chunk of northern Illinois under a level 1 Marginal Risk, mainly for strong winds. 

The big question mark that remains is the longevity of storms during the morning hours. If storms sustain and stay strong well into the morning, that would in fact lower our afternoon potential. However, if these storms were to weaken and fizzle out, this would allow the atmospheric recovery process to amplify. Again, just be prepared and stay up to date with the forecast throughout the day as small changes will occur. High temperatures Thursday will climb in the mid 80s, then into the upper 80s for Friday afternoon. 

Severe storms are also possible Saturday as the cold front sweeps through the region. Areas from Amboy to Dixon to Lanark to Stockton have been placed under a level 1 Marginal Risk, more than likely for winds up to 60 mph. This would be for the midday to early afternoon hours. Post frontal passage, we dry out for Sunday, with afternoon highs landing closer to mid-July standards in the low 80s.