High Pressure Brings Sunshine Ahead of Weekend Rain Chances

Cloud cover from Wednesday moved out before sunrise and that set the stage for temperatures to fall into the low 30s in most spots. A few spots, including Rochelle & Galena, did get down to the freezing mark of 32° this morning. Due to the chilly temperatures, there may have been a few spots of patchy frost across the area.

The good news is, the quiet weather will remain in place thanks to an area of high pressure that has slid into the Midwest. This afternoon won't feature wall to wall sunshine, but enough sunshine to make for comfortable day. You may also notice the winds are much less frail.

Yesterday, we experienced wind gusts between 30 and 35 mph at times across the Stateline. The system that was responsible for yesterday’s winds has pushed farther to the east, weakening the pressure gradient at the surface between the departing low and the building high pressure. A light northwesterly breeze will remain in place throughout the day, then becoming calm overnight.

High today will once again rise into the mid to upper 50s. As this area of high pressure slides to the east of the region, northwesterly winds will turn more southeasterly. This will lead to a similar start to the day like we had today. The combination of clear skies and very light southeasterly winds will allow temperatures to "bottom out" into the upper 30s by the time we wake up and prepare for our Friday.It would be a wise idea to have a jacket or coat on hand as you make your way out the door tomorrow.

These southeasterly winds ramp up late tomorrow and help rebound our temperatures into the low 60s. Friday features more of a mix of clouds and sun scenario. Winds tomorrow could gust upwards of 25 to 30 mph at times, especially during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Friday into early Saturday morning remains dry, but rain chances increase by late morning as a weak cold front slides through the Stateline.