Some Rain on the Way

A trough of low pressure stretches from northwest Wisconsin across southwest Iowas to a low center over south central Kansas, and then on to the southwest across the Texas panhandle.  An initial area of showers has developed out ahead of the trough from eastern Iowa across southwest Wisconsin moving toward the northeast.  There is a slight chance that the Stateline may see some showers, and possibly a thunderstorm, associated with this lead impulse later on tonight.  A more significant area of showers, and some heavy thunderstorms, extends from southwestern Iowa, and extreme western Missouri back across eastern Kansas and central Oklahoma.  This area is also moving toward the northeast, and will likely affect the Stateline on Sunday.  There will be a good chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday morning, and by Sunday afternoon showers and thunderstorms will be present, and ongoing across the area.  There is potential for some good rainfall totals from 0.50" to 1", and perhaps some locally heavier amounts in a few locations.  The rain is much needed across the drought stricken areas of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.   The latest drought monitor indicates extreme drought conditions continuing, and getting worse, across the area with a deficit of more than 9" of rainfall in Rockford, compared to average for the year.  If the Stateline gets shorted once again as this system passes through the area on Sunday and Sunday night,  there is very little opportunity for any rain during the coming week.  The next chance of any rainfall will probably not be until next Saturday, and there is only a slight chance at that time.  High pressure will regain control of northern Illinois weather on Monday, and maintain a hold on the region all week with sunny skies, and warm temperatures in the middle to upper 80's.-