Summer heat returns to northern Illinois in a big way this weekend

Yesterday was another beautiful and comfortable day across the area. Under blue skies and lots of sunshine, temperatures peaked in the upper 70s. We've got one more day of 70s before a batch of summer-like heat spills in for the upcoming weekend. 

Aside from a passing sprinkle this morning or during the midday hours, today remains dry. Afternoon highs will peak in the upper 70s, close to the 80° mark under a mixture of clouds and sun. 

Tomorrow, more of the same dry weather can be expected as high pressure aloft slowly pushes in from the Midwest. Temperatures will be slightly warmer, back to July-like levels in the low 80s. 

 

 

Much warmer air pushes in for the weekend as the ridge settles into the Great Lakes. This will allowing temperatures to soar into the upper 80s Friday and Saturday and low 80s for Sunday. Compared to mid-September standards, all three days will land 8°-12° above average. The warmest day, Saturday, also features our next best chance for showers and storms with a warm front sitting nearby.