Dry and warm through the end of the week; Rain chances increase for the weekend

 

The warm and dry stretch will continue for another couple days before a little rain and slightly cooler temperatures find their way back into the forecast by the weekend and early next week.  Under sun-filled skies Tuesday afternoon high temperatures warmed into the low 80s area wide; not quite record warmth due to a more east/southeast wind, but remaining well above average.  After cooling off into the low 50s Tuesday night, Wednesday will feature another warm afternoon with highs reaching the mid 80s.  We should continue to see plenty of sunshine Wednesday as upper level ridging holds strong across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Temperatures Thursday afternoon will also warm into the mid 80s, but you'll begin to notice an increase in cloud cover throughout the afternoon and evening.  This is due to an increase in moisture as the ridging aloft begins to slide east, allowing low pressure currently over the Southwest to slide further northeast across the Plains and eventually into the Midwest.  Rain chances, though, remain low due to several days of a very dry air mass centered over much of the Midwest. 

Temperatures will be held down just a bit further Friday, but still above average, as cloud cover continues to grow.  By the afternoon there may be just enough moisture to allow a few light showers to occur through the evening, but any rain that falls would be fairly light, as well as with light rain totals.  We'll begin to see a little more of a surge of moisture Saturday and Sunday as low pressure nears from the west.  This should increase the chance for rain, although not a washout, late in the Saturday and Sunday as low pressure becomes cut-off from the main flow of the jet stream, spinning across the lower Great Lakes through early next week.  Periodic rain showers will be possible during that time as temperatures fall to more seasonable readings; highs in the low 70s. 

Well-Above Average Temperatures Follow Monday's Record Heat

More Heat On The Way: 

Our "second summer" is clearly underway as record warmth swarmed the Stateline Monday. Rockford's Airport observed a high of 90 degrees, breaking the previous record of 89 degrees that stood since 1954. This marks the 34th time in 2021 that the Rockford has observed a high of 90 degrees or higher. While it's safe to say record warmth isn't likely moving forward, we look to hold on to this unseasonably warm air for the remainder of the work week. 

Cooler, Pleasant Tuesday:

If you plan on heading out the door early, you'll likely want to grab a light jacket or a sweatshirt. Cooler air filtering in behind yesterday's lake-front dropped our regional temperatures nearly 40°, placing most in the low 50s this morning. The rest of our Tuesday features just as much sunshine as Monday as an area of high pressure remains locked over the Great Lakes region. 

With an easterly component in our surface winds, high temperatures will end up a couple of degrees cooler in the low to mid 80s. Unlike yesterday, we won't have a cold front sliding during the late-day hours, so expect winds to remain light during the evening commute and into tonight. 

Starlit skies are expected overnight with temperatures falling back into the low 50s by Wednesday morning. Again, a light jacket will be needed. However, a warmer wind will help push our daily highs back near the 90-degree mark as we jump into the second half of the work week. 

Unseasonably Warm:

More of the same weather is on tap for Wednesday. Again, wall-to-wall sunshine is expected to dominate, with a few clouds possible during the afternoon. The only difference will be a subtle wind shift to the southeast, allowing temperatures to reach the mid to upper 80s.  This is considered unseasonably warm for late September-early October standards as our average highs are falling into the low 70s. Friday rounds out the week with the warmth relaxing into the low 80s before we slowly cool down over the weekend. 

Record warmth Monday afternoon

Despite a cold front moving through early Monday afternoon highs across the Stateline warmed into the mid and upper 80s, reaching 90 degrees in Rockford.  Our high of 90 degrees broke the previous record high of 89 degrees set back in 1954, and was the warmest Rockford has been this late in the year since a high temperature of 90 degrees was recorded back on October 9th, 2010!

 Blocking high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere, and persistent high pressure over the eastern Great Lakes at the surface will keep skies mostly clear and temperatures well above average.  An 'omega block' in the jet stream - because it looks like the Greek letter omega - will focus the heat across the middle of the country, keeping high temperatures in the low to mid 80s through the end of the week.  While close, it does appear that the record highs for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should remain in place; record high for 9/28 - 91°, 1952  - 9/29 - 94°, 1953 and 9/30 - 92°, 1971.  Forecast highs: 84°, 87° and 87°.

That, combined with the ongoing drought conditions, is just a continued recipe for above average temperatures, as well as continued dry conditions. By Friday the blocking ridge will begin to break down as a slight increase in moisture will be found as low pressure lifts north from the Southwest.  High pressure to the east will keep the majority of the moisture west of the Stateline, however, with just a slight increase in cloud cover Thursday and Friday.

 

Dry, & Warm Weather Pattern Caps Off a Very Dry September

Very Dry September:

Just as quick as we were to jump into the month of September, we are sitting a few days away from jumping into October. Can you believe it? However to our surprise, September has featured no relief in the form of significant rainfall to help with the very dry year we are having. 

Hence why a good chunk of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin remain under a D2 moderate drought. As of this morning, the 0.53" of rain that the Rockford International Airport has seen this month ranks 9th for driest Septembers on record. With the way the weather pattern is looking as we jump into October, it doesn't look like that total ain't going to budge much. 

Sun-Filled Stretch:

No need for a light jacket if you are planning to leave the house early today. Temperatures, thanks to a light southerly wind, are kicking off on a comfortably warm note in the low to mid 60s. With high pressure mainly in control of our atmosphere, today features plenty of sunshine with highs back in the low to mid 80s. Normally in late-September, our average highs are falling into the low 70s.

A cold front coming in late in the day may bring a few more clouds and a light breeze to the area during the evening hours. However, with no moisture to work with, this cold front will sneak through our area bone-dry. 

What we do see though is a slightly cooler air-mass filter in from the north, resulting in a small drop in our overnight lows and daily highs for Tuesday. It'll be a "light jacket" type morning as most of our spots will wake up in the low 50s. With an easterly component to our surface winds, highs will top out in the low 80s under plenty of sunshine. 80s look to be the name of the game for the rest of the work week, with a slight cool-down expected for the upcoming weekend. One thing that continues to avoid the Stateline is rain chances.

Dry Moving Forward:
 
Models have been consistent over the past few days on a strong ridge of high pressure sliding in early Wednesday, remaining in control through Thursday. This will help steer any systems away from the Stateline, keeping rain chances very low as we prepare to jump into October. 

So it looks more than likely that this September will be written down as one of the top 10 driest on record. There are hints of a slow-moving low pressure system coming in at the end of the work week and for the start of the weekend, possibly bringing us a very slim chance for a few isolated showers and thunderstorms. But these chances by no means come in the form of a washout.

Drought conditions worsen across northern Illinois

 
The lack of rainfall is really taking a toll across much of northern Illinois.  The latest drought monitor shows that the drought conditions have worsened across much of northern Illinois, with now portions of DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside counties experiencing severe drought conditions.  A small portion of far northeast Illinois, Lake County, is experiencing extreme drought conditions.

 While there has been some rain within the last week, it hasn't been nearly enough to help ease the extremely dry conditions across the region.  In September along we've only received 0.36 inches of rainfall, putting us at a 2.55 inch deficit.  For the year, Rockford has only received 15.86 inches of precipitation, when normally by this time of year we should be closer to 30 inches.  This puts us over a foot below our year to date average, making the period from January 1st to September 22nd, 2021, the driest year to date on record.  Now there were two other years, 1920 and 1946, that had less year to date precipitation but there is quite a bit of missing data during the Spring and Summer months of those years.

The second driest year to follow this one would be 1988 with only 16.60 inches, and then 1934 with only 16.75 inches.  For many we remember 2012 as being a very hot and dry year; year to date it came in as the 5th driest with 17.84 inches. 

According to the National Weather Service, volunteer weather observers across northern Illinois indicate that stream flows in some of the area creeks and streams are much lower; specifically along the Kishwaukee River and Beaver Creek.  Over the last 30 days we've only received 25-50 percent of our average rainfall, leading to the deteriorating drought conditions across the region.  Soil moisture is also very low, estimated at only 1-5 percent of average.  While there will likely be some rain Friday evening with the passage of a cold front, the next seven days (and beyond) are looking very dry.  And the rain we get Friday evening will remain under half an inch.  Extended outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center have a high probability for below average precipitation through the beginning of October, with above average temperatures.

Windy Days Ahead, Temperatures Get a Case of the "Ups & Downs" into the Weekend

Feeling Very Fall-Like:

At exactly 2:21PM Wednesday afternoon, we made the seasonal transition from Summer to 🍁 Autumn 🍂, and it definitely felt like it to. 

A blustery wind out of the north limited our high temperatures to the mid to upper 60s, making for the first 60-degree day since July 8th. As we prepare to jump into the first full day of Autumn, a repeat of Wednesday's weather can be expected before temperatures get a case of the "ups and downs" into the weekend.

Another Breezy Day:

For those heading out early, you'll likely want to grab or put on something warm. Fall is definitely making it's presence known this morning as we're is waking up to temperatures in the 40s. Some areas to the north in central and northern Wisconsin are under a FROST advisory this morning. Thankfully, our temperatures will be too warm for an advisory to be issued locally.

A pesky upper-level low over the Great Lakes region will continue to swirl in cloud cover, especially for areas along and east of I-39. But as high pressure inches closer from the west, the clouds we see during the morning hours will give way to increasing sunshine this afternoon. Winds however will still be a big part of today's forecast, as north-northwest winds will be capable of gusting up to 25 mph at times. This will help bring another day in the mid to upper 60s before warmer winds take over for Friday.

Windy Days Ahead:

By Friday morning, the same high pressure system is expected to shift to our southeast, allowing winds to switch to the southwest. Ahead of an approaching cold front, the pressure at the surface will tighten, allowing winds to ramp up once again for the afternoon hours. 

Winds could peak around 25 to 30 mph, pushing our daily highs near or at the 80-degree mark. Along with this cold front does come a chance for a few showers, mainly during the late-evening and early overnight hours. Conditions look to rapidly dry out and cool-down into Saturday, with temperatures back down near 70-degrees. 80s do make a quick return beginning Sunday, continuing well into next week.

Up and down temperatures expected with blustery, changing wind direction the next few days

The official start to Fall began Wednesday afternoon and Mother Nature sure didn't disappoint with more a more fall-like air mass.  Temperatures went from the upper 80s and low 90s this past Sunday and Monday, to highs below 70 degrees Wednesday afternoon.  Rockford's high officially came in at 69 degrees, following Tuesday's high of 70 degrees.  It felt nice, but the strong north wind at times definitely put a chill in the air. 

Winds will remain strong the next few days thanks to a departing low pressure system, currently moving through eastern Illinois and Indiana Wednesday evening.  This low will park itself over southern Michigan by Thursday morning before quickly exiting to the northeast by the end of the week.  High pressure centered over the Midwest will slowly be moving in and the difference in pressure between the two will keep the winds strong Thursday.  Northwest winds will gust as high as 25 mph throughout the afternoon, holding temperatures in the upper 60s.  Cloud cover will likely keep the area split again, with locations to the east experiencing a little more cloud cover than locations to the west. 

 Winds will then shift around to the southwest Friday as the high slides to our south and east.  A cold front advancing in from the northwest and west Friday evening will gradually bring an increase in cloud cover, but also a return to slightly warmer temperatures.  Following Thursday's high of only 69 degrees, highs on Friday will warm close to 80 degrees, only to drop once again Saturday as winds shift back around to the northwest for the afternoon.

It is this time of year when we tend to see big changes in our daily temperatures as our seasons begin to change.  That's because the jet stream is strengthening and becoming faster and stronger.  This is what helps to pull in the colder air from the north, or draw up the warmer air from the south.  The stronger winds in the jet stream often times leads to stronger and deeper storm systems, which can cause gustier winds from time to time.  By the end of the weekend our winds should ease a little, but could pick right back up as another storm system moves across the country.

Cooler-Than-Average, Breezy Stretch Continues as we jump into Autumn

Fall-Like End to Summer:

Remember how we were hinting at big changes with Tuesday's frontal passage? Well, we really meant BIG changes. Rockford saw it's daily high temperatures go from the low 90s Sunday, to just barely hitting the 70-degree mark yesterday. 

In fact, a glimpse at the almanac shows that yesterday's high of 70-degrees was the first time since September 4th that the airport observed a below-average high. In other words, summer has been in control for much of the month of the September. However, I am happy to say that there is nothing summer-like about the forecast as we head into the first few days of fall. 

Jumping Into Fall:

Now, for those that are wondering, the fall equinox doesn't actually occur until 2:20 this afternoon. At that time, the sun's most directed rays will be centered right over the Earth's equator. When the day comes for an equinox to occur, daylight hours and nighttime hours are roughly the same, just one outnumbers the other by a matter of minutes. Come this weekend, nights will be longer than days until next year’s Spring Equinox.

 Cooler, Breezy Stretch:

Two systems will be battling it out to determine who sees more sunshine, and who see more cloud cover as we jump into fall.Thanks to a stationary low-pressure system over the Great Lakes, areas along and east of I-39 will have a better opportunity to see a few more clouds throughout the day. But, as high pressure approaches from the west, this will help slowly bump this low-pressure system away from the area, allowing clouds to decrease a little into tonight. With the pressure tightening up between the two systems, winds will become a bit gusty once again for the afternoon hours. Winds out of the north, and sometimes out of the northwest, could gust up to 25 to 30 mph at times. This will limit our high temperatures to the upper 60s, making for the first 60-degree day in Rockford since July 8th.

More of the same can be expected as we roll into Thursday, but winds won't be as strong. Highs look to remain in the upper 60s, close to 70-degrees before making a quick jump towards the 80-degree mark on Friday. As mentioned before, it does look like Friday begins on a sun-filled note, with clouds increasing late in the day. 

This is in response to a secondary cold front that slides in Friday evening, bringing with it a couple of showers. With that being said, it doesn't look like the chance we see will be in any shape or form of a wash out. Rain chance look to slim to none after Friday, as another high pressure system settles in.

Fall-Like Weather Settles in Just in Time for the Seasonal Transition

Ready For Fall?:

It sure was a loud night across the Stateline as a strong cold front shoved a round of showers and thunderstorms in from the west. While there were a few "Special Weather Statements" issued by the National Weather Service, a majority of the Stateline area was able to avoid severe weather. Even with the frontal boundary to the east of the region, a stray shower or two remains possible during the morning hours. Otherwise, prepare for cooler days and cooler nights as this frontal passage marks the beginning of a very fall-like stretch. 

Cloudy, Breezy Tuesday:

While astronomical fall doesn't officially begin until 2:20PM Wednesday, we'll get a little taste of it for the last day of summer. How fitting right? The combination of lingering cloud cover and a robust northwesterly breeze will limit highs to the upper 60s and low 70s. For those that are keeping track, highs this afternoon will top out roughly 15° to 20° cooler than our high temperatures from yesterday. As skies slowly clear out overnight, temperatures will fall into the mid to upper 40s by the pre-dawn hours Wednesday morning, making for an even cooler start to the day. But the temperature drop doesn't stop there.

Cooling Down Big-Time:

Guidance continues to show the "coolest" air with this incoming air-mass sliding into the region late tonight into Wednesday morning. Despite a sun-filled forecast, highs will have a tough time climbing out of the 60s for most. If this were to verify, this will the first time since July 8th that the Rockford International Airport observed a 60-degree high. More of the same is expected for Thursday, with a few more clouds filling our skies. Thanks to a low-pressure system occluding over the Great Lakes, there will be a slim chance for a late-day shower or thunderstorm. A slight chance will also be in the works for Friday as a secondary cold front looks to march through the Stateline. Rain chances after that look very very slim. 

Incoming cold front brings thunderstorms Monday night; Isolated severe storms possible

 

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms continues to march east Monday evening, impacting much of southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois.

A TORNADO WARNING has been issued for northwest Green County until 10pm as a severe thunderstorm, capable of producing a tornado, was moving right over Blancharville, WI.  This storm is moving to the northeast at 40 mph, and away from the immediate area.  While radar indicates the rotation has weakened just a bit, very strong winds are possible as the storm passes.

Further south a few thunderstorms have been moving across the region, producing a bit of lightning and heavy rainfall.  Wind gusts to 30 mph will be possible with the storms moving into Stephenson and Ogle counties.  This line of storms extends all the way down through western Illinois into Missouri ahead of a cold front that will move through the Stateline early Tuesday.  

Ahead of the front isolated severe weather is possible as the low level jet increases from the southwest.  This is why we're seeing a few of these storms turn severe.  Thunderstorms will continue through roughly 12am-2am Tuesday before quickly shifting east by sunrise.  Winds will increase from the northwest gusting as high as 25 mph during the afternoon. 

Big Changes to Come Following Tonight's Cold Frontal Passage

Scorching Sunday:

The last weekend of summer went out with a bang as warm southerly winds and plenty of sunshine brought our afternoon highs into the low 90s. In fact, Sunday's high of 93-degrees at the Rockford Airport tied for the warmest September 19th on record, now tied with 1925, 1947, and 1948. Although not as hot, Monday remains warm ahead of a strong cold front that will help usher in big-changes by the fall equinox.

Few Morning Showers:

Believe it or not, the remnants of tropical storm Nicholas will be a big part of today's forecast. As the moisture associated with it slowly creeps northward, Monday begins with a chance for a few sprinkles and light showers. 

Otherwise, we remain dry and breezy into the afternoon, with gusty winds becoming a concern for those traveling late in the day. A stout southerly to southwesterly wind, which could gust to around 25-30 mph at times, will help push highs into the low to mid 80s. Winds remain out of the southwest but quickly will change to the northwest as a strong fall cold front slides through overnight. Along with this frontal passage does come the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms.

Overnight Storms:

In the latest outlook, the Storm Prediction Center has placed half the Stateline under a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather, with the eastern half under a Marginal Risk ( a category below). Storm looks to fire up along this frontal boundary late in the afternoon in central Iowa, and track eastward as we head into tonight. While it seems this line of showers and thunderstorms will be in a weakening phase on approach, gusty winds and heavy rainfall will be the primary threats. A few sprinkles may last into early Tuesday morning, with conditions drying out but remaining breezy into the afternoon.

Fall's Moving In:

Winds behind tonight's frontal passage will turn to the north-northwest, allowing a much cooler, more fall-like air-mass for the days to come. Highs look to drop significantly from the low 80s today to the low 70s by Tuesday afternoon. And if that wasn't cool enough, we see our daily highs drop even further as we head into Wednesday. 

You would have to all the way back to July 8th to find the last time Rockford observed a high in the 60s. Well, with this much cooler air-mass still sitting overhead, we may see the 60s return both Wednesday and Thursday. Along with cooler days comes cooler nights, as overnight lows moving forward look to fall into the 40s. A few isolated areas may flirt with the upper 30s early Thursday morning. Prepare yourselves, fall is coming! 

Record high temperatures Sunday; Big changes by midweek

 

The last weekend of summer definitely felt like it as the high temperature in Rockford reached 93 degrees Sunday. This tied the previous record high of 93 degrees for the 19th of September most recently set back in 1948, as well as in 1947 and 1925.  Sunday's high temperature wrapped up a very unseasonably warm weekend, but likely the last upper 80/low 90 degree high temperatures we'll feel this year.  A strong cold front coming in Monday night will bring temperatures back to, and slightly below, where they should be for late September.

 

Cloud cover will continue to increase Sunday evening as low pressure lifts north from the Gulf.  this low has a little more Gulf moisture associated with it, bringing in a slight chance for a few light showers Monday morning.  As that low moves over the Great Lakes late morning, drier air will briefly move in for Monday afternoon.  Temperatures may not be quite as hot as Sunday, but the humidity will be a touch higher thanks to increasing dew point temperatures.  Highs on Monday will warm into the low 80s - still above average.

A strong trough (dip in the jet stream) will continue to move east across the Plains and Midwest during the day Monday.  This will help pull a cold front closer to the area during the afternoon and evening.  A redevelopment of showers and thunderstorms are possible towards late evening, bur likely more-so during the overnight.  Some of those storms could be strong with gusty winds and heavy rainfall.  A drop in temperatures is then expected for Tuesday, falling even further Tuesday night and Wednesday.  Wednesday marks the official start to Fall, and right now the forecast high for the afternoon is currently 68 degrees.  Overnight lows Wednesday night will drop into the low to mid 40s.  Temperatures throughout the remainder of the week will remain in the 60s and 70s, coming back close to 80 degrees both Friday and Sunday.

Small Storm Chance Late, Remaining Summer-Like Over the Weekend

Sun-Filled Trend:

The Stateline has had no issues with seeing sunshine during the month of September. Including yesterday's wall-to-wall sunshine, the average cloud cover at the Rockford International Airport has come in under 50% 8 of the last 13 days. As we now prepare for the last day of the current work week, sunshine will kick off the day. However, a few more clouds and a small chance for thunderstorms can be expected later on as one of two cold fronts swings into the region. 

Small Storm Chance:

Our Friday kicks off in a similar fashion to the past couple of mornings, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures sitting somewhere in the 50s. Although we hold onto a good amount of sunshine into the afternoon hours, a cold front sinking don from the Upper Midwest will help bring a little more cloud cover to the area as we approach the evening commute hours. Along with the increase in cloud cover does come a small chance for a few isolated thunderstorms. Thankfully, no severe weather is expected. But it's definitely something to keep an eye on if you plan to attend this week's edition of Rockford's City Market or any of the high school football games. Chances look to come to an end well before midnight, with skies remaining partly cloudy into Saturday morning.

Seasonal Transition:

Summer will be in full force over the weekend and into the start of next week, with the hottest air arriving Sunday and Monday. With winds being generally out of the southerly direction, our daily highs look to top out in the upper 80s. A weak system moving in from the south may bring us a chance for a few showers and thunderstorms Monday, with a strong cold front continuing chances into early Tuesday morning. As we've been hinting at, this cold front looks to bring a taste of beautiful fall-like weather just in time for when we change seasons. Highs fall into the 70s, with overnight lows falling into the 40s. 

Comfortably Warm Thursday, Highs near 90-Degrees over the Weekend

Light Jackets Needed:

The best way to summarize Wednesday's weather is by saying it was a perfect 10 out of 10. As expected, the day was filled with plenty of sunshine as an area of high pressure moved overhead, with most of our local airports topping out in the upper 70s. 

With the atmosphere remaining very dry overnight, temps early Thursday morning have fallen into the upper 40s and low 50s. Similar to Wednesday morning, you'll likely want to grab a light jacket and a pair of sunglasses before heading out the door. The forecast remains sun-filled and pleasant, with temperatures gradually warming up as we move into the upcoming weekend. 

Comfortably Warm Thursday:

With this area of high pressure now sliding over the Great Lakes, winds moving forward will be more out of a southerly direction. Hence why the Stateline will see a warming trend in the days to come. Sunshine looks to dominate our skies once again, with a decent breeze out of the south-southeast lasting well into the afternoon hours. 

This will bring our highs up by a few degrees, with most topping out in the low to mid 80s. The heat doesn't really start cranking until Friday. With our surface winds being out of the south-southwest, temperatures will make a quick jump into the upper 80s by Friday afternoon. A frontal boundary sliding in late in the day will Friday bring one of our few chances for rain over the next 7 days. Clouds look to increase into the afternoon, with a few isolated showers and storms are possible. 

Fall Arriving Just in Time?

While it looks like the forecast will remain very summer-like into early next week, models continue to show a strong cold front sliding through during the day on Tuesday. The air-mass behind this frontal passage looks to put summer on vacation mode, dropping our highs from the low 90s on Sunday to the upper 70s by Wednesday. 

And guess what? This would come just in time for the Fall Equinox, which occurs Wednesday, September 22nd at 2:20PM. As I mentioned yesterday, we still have a week for this scenario to change. But models have been consistent with the timing of this system and the cooler temps that follow!

Meteorological Fall temperatures warm as climate change concerns continue to grow

 It should come as no surprise that our temperatures have continued to warm both at the local and regional levels, but also across the globe.  The beginning of Meteorological Fall in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin was somewhat near average, with a few warm and cool days to average things out.  to date, however, our monthly temperature for the first two weeks of September is about two degrees above average, with no signs of slowing down (at least within the next week).  Today, Wednesday, was a 'cooler' day, but really only with the drier and less humid air mass.  The high in Rockford officially reached 81 degrees, which was still five degrees above the average high of 76 degrees.  And temperatures throughout the rest of the week will continue to run at least five to ten, even fifteen, degrees above average.

When we look at Meteorological Fall as a whole - September, October and November - the average Fall temperature has gone up nearly two and a half degrees in Rockford since the 1970s.  And on average, we've added roughly 10 more days where the high temperature warms above average during that same time.

 Nationally, the West, Southwest and Northeast have had a significant rise in their Fall average temperatures when compared to the Midwest.  The heat out West has also prolonged the wildfire season, with some of the worst fires in some of the western state's history occurring within the last year.  The high heat also means that the drought conditions continue and worsen, which in turn causes the heat to only grow more.

The extended period of warmth into the Fall months can cause the allergy season to last longer, as well as prolong the impacts from summer pests such as mosquitoes and ticks.  Prolonged heat can also increase the risk of heat-related illness and hospitalizations, especially in children, people over 65 and lower income communities.  Not only that, but it can also become a financial burden on many as air conditioners run later in the season, coasting you more and increasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.  Impacts to animal hibernation fruit ripening, fall leaves changing and bird migrations can also be felt as the summer heat lasts longer and longer.

While some may enjoy the heat a little longer as the seasons begin their transition, it's important to remember that the choices we make now will impact further generations to come.  Winter is the fastest warming season, but the other seasons are quickly catching up.

Perfect 10 Out of 10 Today, Summer Quick to Return by the Weekend

Much Cooler To Start:

Tuesday was considered a "day of transition" as a much anticipated cold front marched through, allowing a much more comfortable air-mass to settle in. I mean, take a gander at how much cooler the Stateline is sitting this morning because of Tuesday's frontal passage. With most of our local airports sitting in the low to mid 50s, it might be a good idea to grab a light jacket before heading out the door. Otherwise, prepare for a sun-filled and refreshing day.

Perfect 10 Out of 10:

An area of high pressure over the Midwestern U.S will continue it's eastward journey, moving directly over the Stateline by this afternoon. With plenty of sinking air in our atmosphere, clouds will have a tough time popping up throughout the day. 

While a few fair-weather cumulus clouds cannot be ruled out this afternoon, sunshine looks to dominate our skies with highs topping out near the 80-degree mark. More of the same is expected for Thursday, with highs ending up slightly warmer in the low 80s. In my opinion, both days provide a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and to give your air-conditioner a break. As this high pressure system shifts eastward, warmer winds will help summer make a quick return by the weekend, with the potential for a few 90-degree days included.

Summer Quick To Return:

Southerly to southwesterly winds look to help draw in a warmer, more moist air-mass from the deep south, bringing back that summer-like feel as early as Friday. Our daily high temperatures as of a result will end up on either side of the 90-degree mark through the upcoming weekend and into the early parts of next week. While the humidity isn't likely to reach uncomfortable levels, it’ll certainly be more than enough to force us to turn on the A/C once again. 

The Countdown Is On:

As of this morning, we are officially 7 days away from the fall equinox. Fall begins on September 22nd at 2:20PM CDT. Guidance does keep our weather pattern very summer-like into next Tuesday. But there was a hint of a cold front that may move in late Tuesday into Wednesday, possibly bringing us our next cool-down just in time for the beginning of the fall season. Still, that scenario has plenty of time to change.