Comfortable Start to the Work Week

Good morning everyone. Hopefully you are having a great start to your Monday. Skies continue to be hazy this morning as winds out of the northeast transports smoke from wildfires that are happening across Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. This smoke is getting lofted into the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere and is being displaced southeastward into our neck of the woods. Air quality is tolerable for most, but sensitive groups should avoid prolonged exposure. Especially during the middle of the afternoon. Our skytrack camera at the Poplar Grove airport gives a good representation on how hazy the skies are this morning.

A strong high pressure system is in control of the weather across the viewing area which means we’ve got a dry and beautiful start to the work week. Temperatures today will be close to normal, and it should feel comfortable out there as dew points stay in the mid to upper 50s. However, with plenty of sunshine in the forecast for today, the U.V. index will be pretty high. The best way to avoid getting sunburn is to steer clear of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is crucial that you cover and protect as much skin as possible. Whether it is with clothing or lots of sunscreen. 

As the high pressure system moves a bit farther off to the east, the wind flow at the surface Tuesday will change to the south. This will help guide in not only warmer temperatures to the Stateline, but a rise in the humidity. Most of tomorrow will remain dry, with a mix of sun and clouds. Much like today, hazy weather is expected.

The next thing to keep on the radar is an approaching cold front late tomorrow. This frontal boundary will usher in more cloud cover heading into tomorrow evening along with thunderstorm chances Tuesday into Wednesday. At this moment, the Storm Prediction Center has a majority of the region under a SLIGHT RISK (category 2 of 5) for severe weather on Wednesday. Something to keep an eye on! Until then, enjoy the sunshine and weather everyone!