Pattern Change Brings Relief from the Heat out West, While Bringing More Heat to the East

The high temperature in Rockford reached 80 degrees Tuesday - only the second time in the month of September the high has been 80 degrees or warmer.  Every other day temperatures have been a little below average - in the mid 70's.

While the beginning of the month has started off cool, a pattern change will bring a more summer-like feel to northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  A strong trough of low pressure will develop in the west this weekend causing the jet stream to buckle a bit more northward over the center of the country.  High temperatures heading into the weekend will rise into the low to mid 80's before a brief cold front Sunday cools us down a little for the start of next week.  By the middle of next week temperatures will likely return back above average and could very well remain that way through the end of the month.

The upcoming pattern change will also bring with it an increased chance for rainfall, which is something much of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin need.