Cloudy Skies Remain for Turkey Day

Winds were howling yesterday, with maximum gusts falling short 60 miles per hour in Rockford. Much calmer conditions stick around for the holiday, but cloudy skies remain in place.

If you’re doing some traveling today, you won't have much in the way of slowing you down. Traffic wise, and weather wise. We’ll see plenty of clouds throughout the day. And despite how gloomy the skies may look today, the Stateline remains less windy and dry. But don’t be surprised if you see a few areas of drizzle this afternoon. Highs today will end up on the chilly side by only climbing into the upper 30s, so it’ll be a cool day. If you want to go outside and throw the pigskin around, just make sure to dress appropriately and warm.

Cloudy skies remain in place overnight tonight. The first half of our night seems to stay dry, but a little bit of moisture does stream in overhead by tomorrow morning. That little bit of moisture could aid in a light wintry mix right around the time the early shoppers head to the stores. However, this shouldn't bring any big issues with travel early in the day, but just make sure to take it a bit slow as you head out to get some holiday shopping done. Now, plenty of dry hours are in store early on as a ridge of high pressure sits overhead. But rain chances return to the forecast during the afternoon, especially in the evening. Temperatures climb to near 40, so expect the wintry mix to transition to all rain by the afternoon and evening. A widespread cold rain overspreads the Stateline by Saturday.

Peak Wind Gusts Wednesday Afternoon

The High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory has been allowed to expire after peak wind gusts reached 60 mph in some locations Wednesday afternoon. Here in Rockford, the peak wind gust reached 59 mph, 58 mph in Cortland (DeKalb County) and 55 mph in Rochelle. Not quite as strong to the north and west, but windy enough.

Sporadic power outages and issues on the roads were experienced throughout much of the afternoon Wednesday. As low pressure pulls

further away from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, wind speeds will gradually begin to subside. Much lighter winds are expected Thanksgiving Day, but a new system moving in for the weekend will bring with the threat for gusty winds, rain and even some snow.

Strong Winds Welcome in One of the Busiest Traveling Days of the Year

Thanks to a very strong low pressure system, very gusty winds have welcomed in one of the busiest traveling days of the year.  Following in the footsteps of the gusty winds are much cooler temperatures for Thanksgiving.

If you are one of those people who travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, you’ll definitely want to take it slow, and not rush your travels. Winds could cause some delays at airports across the Midwest, and also on the roads. In fact, it's been a blustery morning to say the least already. The O'Hare International Airport in Chicago reported a 61 mph wind gust earlier this morning. Closer to home, Rochelle recorded a 55 mph wind gust, 46 mph at the Rockford airport. And because of how strong these winds are going to be later on, a high wind warning will be in effect until 6 p.m this evening.

During the late morning and early afternoon, wind gusts could approach 50 to 60 miles per hour. Sustained winds could be as high as 30 to 40 miles per hour. Please make sure to exercise extra caution driving on north-to-south oriented roads, as westerly winds could jostle your vehicle a little bit. Hi-profile vehicles, such as semi-trailers, could be flipped on their side in winds like this. While not expecting widespread issues with power outages, there is a distinct possibility for a few to occur. It would be wise to have a plan in place, extra food, and water available in case the power does go out.

Although a majority of your Wednesday will feature dry conditions, a few spotty showers or even snowflakes are possible as moisture wraps around the backside of this system. Once we head into the afternoon, clouds will eventually give way to a few peeks of sun. However, the winds will last through the majority of the day, but the period where you'll want to hold onto your hats and toupees will be between 9 AM and 3 to 4 PM. Beyond that, the highest winds will become elevated, with gradual improvements being made overnight into early Thursday morning. The forecast for Thanksgiving is looking dry, and fortunately less windy. Dry air works into the atmosphere aloft allowing for a mix of partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies. Highs are only expected to climb into the upper 30s, resulting in a slightly below average Turkey Day! Gobble Gobble!

Isolated Thunderstorms Tuesday Night

Scattered showers have been ongoing across much of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin Tuesday evening, with a few isolated thunderstorms from time to time. As low pressure moves further into Iowa, thunderstorm coverage will increase across northern Illinois through Midnight.

The overall severe threat remains low, but a few stronger storms could have wind gusts capable of 40-50 mph. Better dynamics in the atmosphere remain focused to the south Tuesday evening, where a couple severe thunderstorm warnings have already been issued for west-central Illinois. The storm threat will continue through roughly 2am Wednesday with a couple showers, possibly mixed in with some snow, by sunrise Wednesday. 

High Wind Warning Wednesday

A High Wind Warning has been issued for all northern Illinois beginning Wednesday at 6am, lasting until Wednesday evening. Winds are already increasing Tuesday evening from the northeast due to an approaching low pressure system, but are expected to strengthen even further heading into Wednesday morning.

Scattered showers continue to fall across much of the Stateline as warm air is pulled north ahead of a warm front. The increasing moisture has also lead to some fog that may last through much of the evening. Winds will shift around the southeast Tuesday night and then to the southwest Wednesday morning, before shifting northwest by the afternoon. Sustained winds will range from 30-35 mph, with wind gusts most likely around 45 mph. Peak wind gusts, however, could approach 50 mph in some locations through early afternoon. North/South roads will be difficult to travel for most vehicles, but especially for high profile vehicles. This could also cause some concerns for truck drivers as a strong cross wind could cause some trucks to topple over. Sporadic power outages may also occur and loose objects will easily be blown around.

Messy & Shaky Traveling Conditions Ahead of Thanksgiving

This morning is what I called "the calm before the storm" as all of this morning was nice and quiet. We even had a yet another beautiful sunrise to welcome us into our Tuesday. However. the quiet weather doesn't last for long as rain chances ramp up going into this afternoon, followed by a windy day tomorrow. A large system is developing across the High Plains as we speak, bringing with it blizzard conditions to parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Even a good chunk of the Upper Midwest has been placed under Winter Storm Warnings. Fortunately, we are on the warmer side of what is to become a strong low pressure system. So I am happy to say that we won’t be dealing with any snow before the Thanksgiving holiday, but rain and gusty winds could slow you down.

Model guidance suggest that rain chances begin early this afternoon. This event will start out as light showers. But as more moisture is filtered into the atmosphere, a few moderate to heavy pockets of rain are not out of the question. Rain looks to become heavier by the time the evening commute arrives. So if you are traveling this afternoon, be sure to leave plenty of time for your drive. As we move further into tonight, rain and even a few isolated thunderstorms are possible. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has areas south of Rockford under a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe weather.

Severe storms are going to remain very isolated. If any storm does jump into the severe criteria, strong winds of up to 50 mph are the biggest concern. Rain should begin to taper off by sunrise Wednesday morning, as we enter the dry slot of the low pressure system. This is the part of the storm that helps transport drier air into the atmosphere above us. Overall, as a half an inch to one-inch of rain is possible. After rain chances taper off, wind and falling temperatures headline the remainder of the day.And the wind could make any holiday travels a little bumpy at times.

A high wind watch goes into effect for all of our counties in northern Illinois around 6 AM tomorrow morning, lasting until 6 PM. Wednesday. The rest of our viewing area, Green, Rock, and Walworth counties up in southern Wisconsin, will be placed under a Wind Advisory from 8 AM to 6 PM tomorrow. Wind gusts could be as high as 60 miles per hour at times. Power outages and downed trees are a distinct possibility with strong winds like these. These events are going to be isolated in nature, but definitely not something you want right before the holiday. Winds that strong can impact travel, especially on north-to-south roads. Be sure you’ve got a firm grip on the steering wheel. Winds begin to diminish by tomorrow evening, but remain breezy during the overnight.

High Wind Watch Issued for Wednesday

A High Wind Watch has already been issued for northern Illinois beginning Wednesday morning, and lasting through Wednesday evening. Low pressure over the Rockies Monday evening will strengthen as it moves northeast, lifting through Kansas City, Iowa and eventually into Wisconsin by Wednesday evening. Northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will remain on the warmer side of the system, bringing mostly rain Tuesday and Tuesday evening. There could even be a few thunderstorms Tuesday night.

As the low moves into Wisconsin Wednesday it will continue to strengthen. This will cause the wind field around the low to increase significantly, producing wind gusts 40-45 mph, possibly up to 50 mph in some locations. The wind direction on Wednesday will be from the West, making travel on north/south roads difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. It's also possible that sporadic powers outages could occur during the day. Loose objects and even small branches could break and fly around. A High Wind Watch will go into effect Wednesday morning, lasting through Wednesday evening.

Disruptions Likely for Holiday Travelers

It looks like we'll book-end our Thanksgiving holiday with two storm systems that will have a big impact on the Midwest and Great Lakes. The first arrives Tuesday afternoon and evening, producing mostly rain and wind locally. Skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy during the afternoon Monday with high temperatures rising into the upper 40s, to near 50 degrees. A weak ridge of high pressure will briefly move in Tuesday morning ahead of a strong low pressure system that is forecast to lift northeast from the Central Plains Tuesday, into Iowa and Wisconsin by Wednesday. A warm, moist air mass will lift north ahead of the approaching low bringing a chance for rain by late morning Tuesday. Rain showers look to become more widespread by the afternoon and evening, with even a rumble of thunder or two possible Tuesday night.

As the low moves from Iowa into Wisconsin Wednesday, the wind field around the deepening low will strengthen. This will cause winds to increase significantly across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin during the day Wednesday. Peak wind gusts could top 40-45 mph, with a few places even approaching 50 mph! Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday making for a very blustery travel day. It'll be mostly rain that falls across the immediate Stateline, but if your travel takes you north or west you'll likely encounter accumulating snow. As for rainfall totals Tuesday, another half an inch to an inch of rain could come down. Most of the precipitation will be done by Wednesday but light snow showers, mixed with rain at times, will be possible through the afternoon.

This first storm will quickly move east for Thanksgiving, but another one looks to develop out west Thursday night and Friday. This, too, looks to take a path to our west Friday and Saturday giving us another chance for rain heading into the weekend. Wind will also be an issue with this second storm, as well as the chance for snow by the end of the upcoming weekend.

Sunshine Returns to End the Work Week

Mother nature gave us the one-two punch yesterday. Starting out with some pockets of moderate to heavy rain, followed by very gusty winds. Behind the scenes, a cold front slid through the Stateline ushering in a much colder air mass. And if you didn't notice it yesterday, then you’ll definitely notice its passage this morning. Temperatures started out in the upper 20s for most. Areas like Galena, IL and Monroe, WI, started out in the low 20s this morning. In fact, temperatures this morning were 20-25° colder than how we began our morning yesterday. Cold, but dry which is the better news.

Skies remained mostly cloudy for much of the early morning hours. However, clouds will continue to decrease as an area of high pressure slides into the region from the west. What does that mean? This means if you are looking for a day filled with sunshine, you got your wish! After all, we deserve it after the long week that we have experienced. Highs this afternoon will only climb into the upper 30s, maybe even top out in low 40s for some. With that said, a slow warm-up is expected for this upcoming weekend.


High cirrus clouds move in overnight as a system currently in the vicinity of the Rockies draws closer to the Midwest. Overall, model guidance keeps this low away form the Stateline and tracks it to the south. While we remain dry here in the Stateline, a few stray snow showers cannot be ruled out across central Illinois. If you are one who celebrates Thanksgiving early, or are planning to travel this weekend, the commute should be relative quiet. And even though tomorrow does provide a better chance for cloud cover over the region, a few peeks of sun cannot be ruled out. Highs slightly warmer in the low 40s! Happy Friday Stateline and have a wonderful weekend!

Recent Rainfall Causes Rivers to Rise Again

Around half an inch of rain fell across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Widespread flooding didn't occur, but standing water was noted across much of the area Thursday.

The rainfall did cause some of the rivers to rise a little, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Flood Advisories for portions of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers. A Flood Advisory is now in effect for the Pecatonica River at Shirland, and for the Rock River at Latham Park and Byron. Going into the weekend rivers are expected to rise into 'action' stage, with water running out of its banks and continuing to flood low lying areas along the river. There is some good news, though, as skies are expected to remain dry through the weekend.

It does look like another major storm system is expected to develop a couple days before Thanksgiving, and could possibly impact the area Tuesday into Wednesday. Depending on its overall track, we could end up with more rain, snow or a mixture of both. It does look like a somewhat active pattern will continue through the end of the month and into early December, possibly bringing above average precipitation to much of the Midwest and Great Lakes. 

Heavy Rain Sets In Wednesday Night

Skies will remain dry through much of Wednesday evening but rain, heavy at times, will move in after Midnight and last through Thursday morning. Most of the accumulating rain will occur before sunrise Thursday, with scattered showers lasting into the early afternoon.

Rainfall totals will range from 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches area wide, but there could be a few isolated totals nearing one inch. This will be the

heaviest rain that has come down since back at the end of October when just a little over an inch was measured at the Rockford Airport. The start to Thursday will be soggy, so plan for extra time. While there are higher levels of moisture in the ground, most of the rain should be able to soak into the ground. Flooding is not a major concern, but poor drainage areas may experience some minor flooding.

Local rivers are running high, but below flood

stage at the moment. The incoming rain could push some points along both the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers into 'Action Flood Stage' by Friday or the weekend. Another storm system deserves watching in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This could bring another round of rain, snow or both, to much of the area next Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Foggy Morning, Conditions Remain Dry Ahead of Thursday Rain

The dense fog advisory that was issued yesterday was expanded this morning as fog spread eastward. This advisory now includes Winnebago, Boone, Dekalb, Ogle, and Lee counties in northern Illinois, and is set to expire around 11 A.M this morning. Calm winds and a moisture-rich environment have allowed for very dense fog the develop. One traveling will definitely need to take extra time and caution while out and about this morning.

Visibility for most has remained under 1/2 mile through the morning. These foggy conditions are set to persist into the late morning hours. So it would be wise to not only give yourself a few extra minutes, but also reduce your speed while out on the roads. Make sure to give yourself enough following distance between you and other cars to avoid any unexpected stops. And it's to have those low beams turned on while driving through such a dense layer of fog.

For the rest of your Wednesday, skies will stay mostly cloudy with some sunshine peeking through during the afternoon hours. Highs today with the help of a southeasterly wind will climb into the mid to upper 40s. It's been a while since Rockford has recorded an above-average high temperature. Last time we saw temperatures above average was back on October 27th. So there is the good possibility of that streak coming to an end this afternoon.

We hold onto the clouds tonight as skies stay mostly cloudy. Conditions for the first half of our night will remain dry. It isn’t until the early hours of our Thursday morning that rain showers develop and move into the Stateline. Now, we had a foggy commute to kick off today, tomorrow's commute looks to be very wet as rain could be quite heavy at times. The reason why we have the treat for heavy rain is because this system is pulling in moisture that originated in the tropics. Also, don’t be shocked if you hear a rumble or two of thunder. In terms of rain totals, up to one-inch appears possible in some locations. On top of the rain, winds increase overnight tonight into tomorrow morning. Gusts out of the south could be as high as 35 miles per hour through tomorrow morning.

Locally Dense Fog Developing Tuesday Evening

Locally dense fog has developed this evening with visibility falling under a mile from Freeport to Monroe. The dense has developed behind an area of light rain from earlier in the afternoon, and under a ridge of high pressure.

Visibility may continue to drop through Midnight before rising slightly Wednesday morning as winds pick up a little from the southeast. There could still be some areas of dense fog, so keep that in mind for the morning commute.

Midweek Warm Up Comes with the Threat for Heavy Rainfall

Temperatures Tuesday were once again stuck in the 30s under thick cloud cover, drizzle/light rain and fog. The rain has moved out but the cloud cover and fog will continue into Wednesday morning. Temperatures Wednesday will warm into the mid 40s, but warm even further as a strong low pressure system moves in from the southwest. Southerly winds ahead of the low Wednesday night into Thursday will hold temperatures in the low 40s through the morning, with highs Thursday reaching the low to mid 50s by early afternoon.

Unfortunately, the warm up will come with a chance for heavy rainfall overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Strong winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will help transport a more 'tropical' air mass into northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Rain will be steady, and at times heavy, during the overnight. There could even be a few rumbles of thunder as well. Scattered showers continue through Thursday morning before coming to an end Thursday afternoon. A strong cold front will in from the northwest Thursday evening bringing temperatures down into the 20s Thursday night.

Rainfall amounts will range from around half an inch, up to three quarters of an inch across the Stateline. This will be the heaviest rainfall since October 26th when a little over an inch of rain fell. 

Wintry & Slick Start Ahead of Mid-Week Warm Up

A little bit of a nasty beginning to our Tuesday morning, as all types of precipitation are currently moving through the Stateline. A quick compact area of low pressure is tracking to the southwest of the Stateline, bringing with it a batch of light wintry precipitation. Everything from snow, to sleet, freezing rain, and rain. All of which could make for wet and slick road conditions through the rest of this morning. As the event continues to taper off from west to east, it still would be wise to take a few extra minutes this morning and take it slow on the roads. Precipitation is expected to continue through the next hour or two before tapering off by the afternoon.

Once this event comes to an end, some spotty drizzle is possible through the afternoon, but skies will remain cloudy. Highs again will struggle to get out of the 30s later. When you take in account the light winds, cloudy skies, drizzly conditions, it isn’t going to feel that pleasant outside. It's definitely an improvement from what we experienced last week. Highs today through Thursday will be 20-26° higher than last week's highs. It's about time fall made a return. Tonight will remain quiet. Skies will stay pretty cloudy overnight tonight ahead of some patchy fog that could develop Wednesday morning as lows drop into the lower 30s.

Be aware that any roads that may be wet this afternoon could freeze by early Wednesday morning, leading to a black ice potential. However, Wednesday features cloudy skies early on, but a dry day overall. Sunshine will increase by the afternoon, helping our high temperatures climb closer to average. But wait, there's more. Even warmer weather is expected we roll into Thursday, but rain makes a return. In fact, Thursday's morning commute could feature periods of heavy rainfall and even a few rumbles of thunder.

Light Wintry Mix Possible Monday Night, into Tuesday Morning

Cloudy skies will take us through the rest of Monday evening with temperatures holding steady in the low to mid 30s. A quick moving storm system to the northwest will dive southeast after Midnight into Iowa, Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. A mixture of light rain, snow and even freezing rain will be possible after Midnight, towards early Tuesday morning.

While accumulations will be light with both rainfall and snowfall, a light coating may cause

untreated surfaces to become a little slick for the early morning commute. Low pressure will pass to the southeast by Tuesday afternoon with mostly cloudy skies expected. Highs will warm a little over Monday's temperatures, to right around 40 degrees.

Foggy & Cloudy Start to the New Week

Fortunately we aren't talking about an Arctic blast this week. However, our Monday morning kicked off with slick & foggy conditions. It all has to do with the system that gave us a little wintry mix yesterday. All the moisture that was leftover was trapped underneath cloudy skies, which resulted in very dense fog this morning. Most if not all of the fog should taper off by the late morning, leaving our skies mostly cloudy.

With the cloudiness lingering, don’t be surprised to see some spotty drizzle on your windshield this afternoon. Today will mark the 22nd straight day that Rockford will experience below average temperatures. The last day where we saw at or above average temperatures was back before Halloween, on October 27th. Highs today will climb into the upper 30s for most, so frozen precipitation shouldn’t be a concern with any drizzle that passes through.


All eyes then turn to the system poised to bring a wintry mix late tonight into early Tuesday morning. Our next system dives into the High Plains from southern Canada and eventually into the Midwest by this evening. The first half of our night remains mostly dry, before this system moves into the Stateline around the midnight hour. This even looks to start out as a mix of rain, snow, and some sleet, as temperatures hover around freezing (32°). As the warm front responsible for precipitation lifts, whatever is falling should transition to all rain by sunrise tomorrow. Little to no snow accumulation is expected, but plan on yet another slick morning commute. The leftover light rain showers should taper off by mid-morning, allowing drier conditions to take over for the remainder of our Tuesday, with some peeks of sunshine possible by late in the afternoon.

A Chilly Rain Continues to Fall Sunday Evening

A light, but steady, rain continues to fall Sunday evening across much of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Temperatures have cooled off into the low 30s in a few spots, causing either a mix or changeover to light snow. Both Freeport and Monroe are reporting flurries/light snow with visibility falling under two miles. Any snow that does fall won't add up to much and will likely melt once it reaches the ground.

Most of the precipitation will be wrapping up between 8pm and 9pm, but drizzle will be likely through the night. Cloud cover will remain thick through Monday morning and with temperatures cooling down to freezing, freezing drizzle may occur in some locations. It's not expected to be heavy or widespread, but some slick spots for the morning commute will be possible. Dry air moves in by sunrise Monday bringing an end to most of the precipitation. Skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy through the afternoon.

Sunshine Welcomes in the Weekend

Cloud cover stuck around for a good chunk of our Thursday limiting our chances of seeing any sunshine. I am happy to say that isn't the case today. Skies cleared during the evening yesterday and remained mostly clear into this morning. As of a result, temperatures "bottomed out" or rapidly fell into the teens to begin our Friday. An interesting stat before we jump into the forecast, Rockford has spent over 100 hours under the freezing mark of 32°, since Monday morning at 1 AM. That streak will likely end today.

The source for today's sunshine is all thanks to a massive high pressure system that is currently sitting over the Midwest. This area of high pressure is going to keep things quiet as we head into the weekend. A few clouds will likely build in by the afternoon turning our skies partly sunny. Highs today will be slightly warmer and fortunately above subfreezing. There will be a better chance for cloud cover tonight as northeasterly winds off of Lake Michigan will help bring in more moisture to the region.

This weekend brings a great chance for temperatures to approach the 40° mark both Saturday and Sunday. And after this most recent encounter with an Arctic blast, I am looking forward to temperatures much closer to normal. Saturday for the most parts remains dry with better chances for precipitation arriving by Sunday. This event will start out Sunday morning as a mix of rain and snow. As temperatures warm into the upper 30s, all precipitation will likely transition to all liquid precipitation. Any precipitation will remain light in accumulation. Highs should be able to make it into the 40s if not Monday, then by the Tuesday afternoon. Other than

Clouds Stick Around for Much of Thursday Afternoon

Skies remained cloudy for much of Thursday afternoon holding temperatures in the mid and upper 20s area wide, falling short of the forecast high of 32 degrees. The clouds were a result of an inversion in the atmosphere, where warmer air is located above a cooler air mass near the surface.

Despite a cold front passing early Thursday morning, temperatures aloft were actually warming. The warm and dry air helped trap
moisture near the surface, under what is known as an 'inversion'. During the warmer months, when the sun angle is stronger, an inversion is quick to dissipate because the higher sun angle allows the atmosphere to warm faster, helping mix the atmosphere. As we get further and further into the cooler months the sun angle isn't as strong, so temperatures are not able to warm as quickly - or efficiently. Sometimes moisture becomes trapped under that warm layer, leading to either fog or cloud cover sticking around longer during the day. This can have a major impact on temperatures during the afternoon.

Skies are beginning to clear from west to east Thursday evening as high pressure moves in from the west. Temperatures where the skies have cleared have cooled off already into the teens. Clearing skies and a light wind may lead to fog early Friday morning. With temperatures below freezing, freezing fog could become an issue, so watch for slick spots during the morning.

Sunshine & "Warmer" Temps Arrive to End the Work Week

Our Thursday morning kicked off with a much "warmer" start than what we have been subjected to over the past few days. Despite a cold frontal passage, temperatures are close to 5°-10° warmer than early Wednesday morning. It brought a few flurries to the region, but all of that precipitation has cleared the region as we enter the mid-morning hours. Clouds on the other hand are going to be a tad more stubborn to leave. Skies stay mostly cloudy early on before eventually give way to sunshine by this afternoon.

The entire month of November so far has been below average. In fact, Rockford from November 1st to the 13th has logged an average temperature of 29.8°. That currently stands as the second coldest start to the month of November on record, second to 1991 (27.0°). We will continue the cooler than average trend today, but we’ll make a run at 32° this afternoon.

And after the start to the week that we've had, I personally am looking forward to the 30s. Especially since it has felt like the "dead of winter" the past few days. Clouds are forecast to gradually taper through the morning and afternoon, resulting in a mix of clouds and sunshine. Due to the cold frontal passage, winds have switched from the southwest to out of the northwest and will stay fairly light throughout the day.

The weather expected for tonight is going to provide the perfect opportunity for temperatures to "bottom out" or rapidly fall. With mostly clear skies, calm winds, and all that snow covering the surface, temperatures are set to drop into the teens by Friday morning. A bit of patchy fog is also possible before the sun rises. We’ll see another day of sunshine tomorrow, with highs climbing into the upper 30s. It feels like it's been forever since we have seen temperatures above the freezing mark. Dry conditions look to stick around through the first half of the weekend.  More cloud cover is expected to move in late Saturday ahead of our next system. A mix of rain and snow is possible late Saturday night before gradually transitioning to all liquid rainfall by Sunday. Until then, enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures!