Morning Storms Will Give Way to Dangerous Heat

Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin has been impacted by several rounds of early morning storms. They really have packed a punch as a few places have recorded over an inch of rainfall including Rockford, Kirkland, Dekalb, and Galena. That should make many farmers out there happy, especially with how dry we have been lately. Once rain and storms come to an end, a pretty quick clearing trend will follow. This remains the big question mark in today's forecast.

There is quite a bit of uncertainty as to how quickly how quickly the clouds are able to clear out of the region. The longer the clouds stick around, the less likely we will be able to heat up to our full potential. Once the sun comes out and begins to heat the surface, temperatures will sky rocket into the mid-upper 90’s. And that doesn't take into account the humidity. Strong southwesterly flow at the surface will pump warm moist air into the region. This could allow heat index values for a few hours this afternoon to exceed 100° in numerous communities.

An Excessive Heat Warning continues to be in effect for Jo-Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and DeKalb counties. For the rest of the viewing area, which includes Green, Rock, Walworth, Winnebago, Boone and McHenry counties, a Heat Advisory continues to be in place. The Excessive Heat Warning expires Saturday evening at 7 PM while the Heat Advisory only stretches till 11 PM Friday night.

Tomorrow will not only be the hottest day of the year, but also the hottest day during this heat wave. Highs look to top out once again in the upper 90’s. For Rockford, we will be pretty close to the daily record high of 100° that was set back in 2011. And depending on how much sunshine the region will see, I got a hunch that somewhere in the viewing area will reach 100° for a high.

Outdoor activities will be dangerous later today and tomorrow, especially during prime time heating which is from 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the heat index is at its peak. Heat-related illnesses become likely if you spend a prolonged period of time outdoors, especially if you’re not taking those necessary precautions to stay cool or to stay hydrated. Once again, we urge that you feel any of these symptoms for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, please seek help immediately!