Storm Threat Increasing for Thursday Afternoon and Evening

Skies will remain dry Wednesday night and Thursday morning, but an approaching cold front Thursday afternoon will bring an increase in showers and thunderstorms over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Southwest winds will bring a quick return of heat and humidity to the Stateline with temperatures warming into the upper 80's, but the heat index will rise into the low to mid 90's.  Increasing instability combined with the approaching front will allow thunderstorms to develop as early as Noon over Wisconsin, but most likely between 2pm and 5pm in northern Illinois.  Winds in the atmosphere will remain light and this will help limit the overall severe threat, but some of the stronger

thunderstorms could produce gusty winds and heavy rainfall.  A Marginal Risk for stronger thunderstorms exists for all of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

The cold front will pass after 8pm bringing an end to the rain for the overnight.  Isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible Friday afternoon, with better coverage for storms likely south of Rockford.