First 80 Degree Day of the Season

Plenty of sunshine and warmth Sunday afternoon pushed temperatures across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin into the upper 70s and low 80s.  Rockford reached 80 degrees for the first time this season/year. 

This actually isn't too far from when we typically achieve our first 80 degree day.  The long-term average for the first 80 degree day in Rockford typically occurs on or around Aprill 22nd.  The last time the temperature was 80 degrees, or higher, was last October 7th, 2018.
The earliest the temperature has reached 80 degrees was back on March 15th, 2012.  The latest Rockford ever reached 80 degrees was June 1st, 1973.

Monday will be another warm, summer-like, afternoon.  A little more cloud cover during the afternoon will keep temperatures from hitting the 80 degree mark, but highs should warm into the mid and upper 70s.  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible ahead of a cold front late afternoon and evening.