Update: Enhanced risk for severe weather not that far away Saturday

The quiet weather Friday will change in just a short 24 hours from now as thunderstorms move back into the Midwest.

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin under a slight risk for severe storms Saturday afternoon and evening, with an enhanced risk for severe weather for our southwest counties of Carroll and Whiteside. 

Storms from Friday night will be ongoing Saturday morning in Minnesota and Iowa, but are expected to fizzle out by the time they reach Northern Illinois.  As low pressure and a cold front move down from the Northern Plains during the day, a warm front will pull north into Wisconsin.  Behind the warm front will sit a very muggy and warm air mass.  Dew points Saturday afternoon could reach close to 70 degrees, making the heat index rise into the middle 90's!  This moisture will be the fuel needed for thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon and evening Saturday.

Initially, there may be a cap - or lid - on the atmosphere to prevent much growth in thunderstorms.  But by 4pm, strong to severe storms are likely in eastern Iowa ahead of the cold front.  As that front spreads east into Illinois, the severe threat shifts east as well.  Large hail, damaging winds and even an isolated tornado are all possible through Saturday evening.

Make sure to stay weather aware Saturday as storms could quickly develop late in the day.