Weekend Outlook: Sizzling and stormy weather could be in store

Earlier this week, it looked like temperatures could warm into the 90's making it actually feel more like July.  As we get closer to the weekend, that possibility is still there, but the likelihood of a stormy weekend is becoming a reality as well.  And it all has to do with the placement of the jet stream.

A Bermuda High pressure system will slide into the southeast and southern Plains late this week.  This will cause a ridge of high pressure to build across the center of the country.  If the ridge lifts far enough north, the most favored storm track for heavy rain and strong wind producing thunderstorms will lie across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.  However, if the jet stream falls right over Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, the favored storm track will be right over the Stateline. 

We're getting into the time of year where the classic 'Ring of Fire' pattern commonly sets up.  Thunderstorms develop on the outer edge of the hot and humid air mass underneath the ridge.  These thunderstorms continue into the night, forming into large clusters producing heavy rain and damaging wind gusts.  It looks like that pattern is going to be the favored pattern going into the weekend, which could mean a stormy start and end.

As we get closer, we'll be able to better pin down timing for the rain.  While I don't think the weekend will be a complete washout, but I do think where the rain will fall it will be very heavy.  Stayed tuned!