Friday, June 30, 2023

500+ mile derecho leaves behind path of widespread damage

Storm Reports:

A nasty line of thunderstorms ripped across the Midwestern states Thursday, leaving a damage path that extends from Nebraska to Indiana. This storm was classified as a derecho.


Derecho Criteria: 

If you recall, the Midwest dealt with a powerful derecho back on August 10th, 2020. One that became the costliest thunderstorm disaster in U.S history, causing around $12 billion in damage. 

Now, meteorologists don't use the term "derecho" often because there is a certain criteria an event has to meet before being considered one. According to the Storm Prediction Center, a derecho is a long lived line of severe wind storms that produces winds greater than or equal to 58 mph over the course of at least 400 miles, 60 miles in width, and also produces several, well separated reports of gust to 75 mph or more. Typically, derechos are known as warm-season events and are found moving over the northern side of upper level ridge of high pressure. Meteorologically speaking, we call these types of storms "ridge riders" 

Impacts:

Yesterday's derecho reached peak intensity while tracking through northeast Missouri, southeast Iowa and west-central Illinois. Preliminary survey information from the National Weather Service in Quad Cities found evidence of gusts topping 120 mph near the town of Adrian, Illinois. 

This caused significant damage to a few utility poles and a communication tower. Kahoka, Missouri registered a 100 mph wind gust, which resulted in roof damage to several homes. Further to the east, over 290,000 people in central Illinois and western Indiana lost power because of the storm, and are still without power this morning. The overall pattern into the weekend remains the same, which will allow a few more clusters to track across the Midwestern states. However, the likelihood of them being classified as a derecho is low.

Dense fog advisory issued, few more storm chances on the horizon

Dense Fog Advisory:

Great news everyone! Our air quality continues to improve! So much so that our air quality index (AQI) sits below 150 this morning, leaving us in the unhealthy for some" category.  

But if you plan to travel, be sure to give yourself extra time thanks to lingering smoke and dense fog. A dense fog advisory is in effect for Ogle, Lee, Dekalb, Whiteside, and Carroll Counties until 8AM. Visibility at times could register at or below 1/4 mile! 

"Ring of Fire" Continues:

With high pressure still locked over the southern plains, another cluster of showers and thunderstorms is expected to track across the Midwest. In a similar fashion to yesterday's derecho, it will steer away from the Stateline. But at the same time, clouds coming off the cluster will track northward, increasing our cloud cover into the afternoon. Tagging along for the ride will be the chance for a few isolated showers and maybe even a thunderstorm or two.  

We'll continue to have a small chance for rain and storms each day this weekend. Severe weather potential however will remain low and to the south of the region. A weak trough sliding in from the west will cool us down a bit Saturday and Sunday, with highs peaking in the low to mid 80s. As for the 4th of July holiday, the forecast looks mainly dry. However, it will be a steamy one with highs landing on either side of the 90-degree mark.
 

 

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Unhealthy Air Quality Lingers, Severe Threat Returns This Evening

Unhealthy Air Quality:

Wednesday's average AQI of 218 now holds the top spot for worst on record for the Rockford area. No change in our air quality this morning, hence why the Environmental Protection Agency extended the Air Quality Alert until midnight tonight.

Take the same precautions as you did Tuesday and Wednesday, such as having that N95 mask on while walking outside. Also, avoid participating in any strenuous outdoor activities.

Thursday's Severe Threat:

Weather-wise, Thursday looks to be a hot one, with temperatures peaking near the 90° mark. Overnight, the Storm Prediction Center upgraded today's severe threat, placing a level 3 enhanced risk across southeast Iowa and Central Illinois. It's in these areas in which multiple rounds of strong to severe storms will be likely, posing a risk for significant damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. 

Here at home, a few isolated thunderstorms will be possible between the hours of 5PM and 10PM. Any storm that becomes severe will be capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possibly a brief tornado. Like last night, make sure to have multiple ways to get watches and warnings.

Once that chance comes to a close, skies remain partly cloudy into Friday morning, with temperatures falling into the upper 60s. A separate disturbance aims to ride that ride that is in place across the southern plains, bringing back that chance for a few showers, possibly an afternoon thunderstorm or two to conclude the work week. Like today, the severe threat is focused to our south!


Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Air Quality Remains Poor, Stormier Patterns Begins Thursday

Slow to Improve:

Much of the region Tuesday saw air quality levels drop to the "very unhealthy" category, something we haven't seem since January 2001. Even as of this writing, Rockford is sitting in the top 10 along with Madison, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Indianapolis for the worst air quality in the country. While our AQI (Air Quality Index) has slowly been dropping, I would still take the steps necessary to keep you, your family, and your pets safe. Like yesterday, limit time outdoors this morning. But if you have to be out and about, keep that N95 mask handy. 

So, when will we see improvements? Well, a look at guidance shows the thickest smoke shifting to our west by this afternoon. Now, it goes without saying that we won’t lose the smoke entirely as skies remain hazy, but there could at least be some relief. 

Weather-wise, Wednesday will be a quiet day for the most part, with sunshine once again filtering through the smoke. High temperatures once again are slated to peak in the low 80s. A few thunderstorms will be possible overnight into early Wednesday thanks to a warm front lifting into northern Illinois from the southwest.

Storm Chances Return:

Behind this warm front, a hot and humid air mass settles in for the remainder of the week. This will set the stage for daily shower and thunderstorm chances, with the best chance still focused for Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. 

In their latest severe outlook for Thursday, the Storm Prediction Center continues to keep much of N. IL under a level 2 slight risk, leaving Green, Rock, and Walworth counties up in S. WI under a level 1 Marginal risk. Uncertainties continue, such as coverage, humidity levels, and how much solar radiation will be able to filter through the smoke. If thunderstorms were to develop, damaging straight-line winds and large hail will be the primary concerns, followed by a tornado or two. Just in case, make sure to have multiple ways to get watches and warnings, and have that safe place ready!

Thursday will be the warmest day out of the next few as temperatures could reach the 90-degree mark at least in a few locations. Over the weekend, highs will end up closer to normal, but as we head into early next week things heat up again just in time for the Fourth of July festivities.



Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Air Quality Remains Unhealthy Today, "Ring of Fire" Pattern Sets Up

Air Quality Issues:

The cool down that began this past weekend carried on into the start of the work week. Cloud cover and a cool northwesterly wind left most of our local airports in the mid 70s. Also making an appearance yesterday was another dose of thick Canadian wildfire smoke, which did bring down visibility at certain points during the afternoon and evening.

Unfortunately, wildfire smoke remains in the forecast for Tuesday, thanks to the jet stream being oriented from the north. To make matters worse, surface winds will be blowing out of the north throughout the day, meaning some of the smoke aloft will be able to track down towards ground level. 

Because of this, air quality will be unhealthy for some, especially young children, the elderly, and those have lung/heart issues. As of this morning, there are no air quality alerts in place for our northern Illinois counties. However, the entire state of Wisconsin and the entire state of Michigan will be under one until noontime Thursday. Aside from that, Tuesday will be dry from start to finish, with sunshine giving it's best attempt to peak through the haze. Temperatures and humidity remain comfortable thanks to today's northerly breeze, with most peaking in the low 80s.  

"Ring of Fire" Pattern:

More of the same is on the table for Wednesday, just add a few more afternoon clouds. One or two of these clouds may utilize the limited instability or "juice" in our atmosphere, resulting in a late day t-storm or two. A better opportunity for showers and storms arrives overnight into Thursday as our next warm front slides into the Stateline from the southwest. 

From there, guidance shows a "ring of fire" type pattern setting up in the upper-levels. This is when a strong ridge of high pressure sets up over the southern plains, leaving us in the direct path of any storm system that rides the top of the ridge. Expect daily thunderstorm chances from Thursday through Saturday, with the chance for severe weather appearing Thursday afternoon/evening. 

Earlier this morning, the Storm Prediction Center placed a majority of the Stateline under a level 2 slight risk for severe weather. Coverage of Thursday's thunderstorm development remains uncertain. However, it seems that large hail and damaging straight-line winds will be the main concerns. 

We will continue to update you as new details come about. But in the meantime, take precautions to avoid today's air quality, and make sure that severe weather shelter in stocked and ready to go!

Monday, June 26, 2023

Spotty Showers Monday, Humidity to Climb Late in the Week

Weekend Rainfall:

Prior to this past weekend, it seemed that the hopes for the Stateline to see a soaking rainfall were getting slimmer and slimmer. But a strong cluster of showers and thunderstorms moving in from eastern Iowa Saturday night dropped 1" to 2" across much of northern Illinois. This, along with the rainfall we saw yesterday brought Rockford up 19 spots from the 4th driest June on record through the first 25 days to the 23rd driest. Now, we're not done with this storm system just yet as it will also be responsible for the scattered chance we see today.

Spotty Rain Monday:

Monday starts off quiet, but plenty of clouds will be sitting overhead as you make your way out. Similar to Sunday, guidance shows a round of scattered showers developing during the afternoon. 

Now, the keyword there is "scattered", meaning not everyone will be getting in on today's rain. However, any of these showers or thunderstorms will be capability of producing brief heavy downpours. A bit of a breeze out of the west-northwest will be present throughout the day, gusting between 25 to 30 mph at times. This, along with today's cloud cover, will limit highs to the upper 70s. A lingering shower or thunderstorm remains possible into early tonight. But as this storm system pulls away, some clearing is expected to take place into Tuesday. 

Late Week Humidity:

Tuesday will be a much, MUCH better day to be outdoors. With high pressure sitting to our west, skies will be a bit more sun-filled, and the humidity will drop back down to comfortable levels. 

Mixed sun will stick around for Wednesday. But with winds blowing out of the south, temperatures and humidity will climb a smidge. Expect highs to peak in the low to possibly mid 80s. 

Changes in our weather pattern introduce themselves Wednesday night into Thursday in the form of a warm front. This frontal passage will help filter in some of the muggiest air of the season, allowing dew points to climb into the mid to upper 60s. 

Along with the climb in humidity does come a daily chance for showers and thunderstorms, beginning late Wednesday and lasting into the weekend. 

Friday, June 23, 2023

Dry, Hot Friday Ahead, Pattern Change Arrives Over the Weekend

Trending Drier:

Sunshine and warmth was the name of the game once again Thursday as temperatures peaked on either side of the 90-degree mark. In the end, it was another dry day for Rockford, which unfortunately leaves our monthly rainfall total at 0.37". 

As we've said before, June is known climatologically as Rockford's third wettest month. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case not only this year, but the past few years as well. A glance at the almanac shows that Rockford last observed above-average rainfall during the month of June in 2018. If you recall, we managed to pick up a little over 14" of rain that June, which resulted in devastating flooding in certain spots along the Rock, the Pecatonica, and the Kishwaukee Rivers.

Dry, Hot Friday:

Ridging to the west will continue to keep our weather pattern hot and dry for the end of the work week and even into the weekend. Highs today and Saturday are expected to peak around 90-degrees. 

North to northwest winds will keep the humidity low this afternoon. However, a wind shift to the south is expected to take place into Saturday. This will bring a more muggy feel to the air. If you plan to be outdoors, whether that's going to Hurricane Harbor, Rockford's City Market, or Music at the Mall over at Edgebrook, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen. With a lot of sunshine in the forecast the next 2 days, the UV index will be high, sitting at a 9 on a scale of 11. Drinking plenty of water or fluids will also be very important if outdoors!

Pattern Change Inbound:

Forecast models continue to show our next cold front sliding through on Sunday. This will not only bring cooler temperatures to the area, but also our next round of much-needed rainfall. As of this morning, the chance for scattered rain looks best during the afternoon and evening hours, with a few light showers lingering into early Monday. 

The one component to Sunday's rain chances that still needs to be hashed out is amounts, but keeping my fingers crossed that Sunday's rain at least helps our region in some sort of way. Post frontal passage, highs fall back in the upper 70s and low 80s into next week.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Warm & Dry for Thursday & Friday, Warmest Day of 2023 Likely Saturday

Hot Starts to Summer:

The first day of summer this year kicked off in a very similar way to summer 2022, just not as hot. If you recall, Rockford on June 21st last year observed it's first 100° day since 2012. This time around, KRFD's high peaked at 90°, marking the 3rd time this year the mercury has peaked at said mark. 

 

More of the Same:

Now, today features more of the same. The day kicks off with plenty of suns, with a few clouds popping up into the afternoon. Highs, despite a light breeze out of the east-northeast, will climb into the upper 80s, close to the 90° mark once again. However, today's wind will help keep our humidity comfortable. Overnight, skies will stay mostly clear, with temperatures falling into the upper 50s by Friday morning's sunrise.

Continued Warmth:

This trend continues into Friday. A pleasant start will pave the way for another warm afternoon, with highs peaking on either side of 90°. Saturday features what will likely be the warmest day of the year thus far as highs are expected to soar back into the low 90s. 

This all happening under a mixed sun. Over the weekend, we also see the high pressure system aloft break down. This will allow a storm system to glide across the northern plains, landing to the north of the area by Sunday. With it comes our next best chance for some rainfall!

Next Rain Chance:

I do want to note that there is still some disagreement on the coverage of Sunday's rain chances. However, it does seem that our best chance will be with the actual frontal passage Sunday evening. with a few showers possibly lingering into early Monday. Temperatures into next week will fall back into the low 80s with dry weather returning into next week.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Hot, Dry, and Breezy for the First Day of Summer

Switch to Summer:

Although we didn't see any rainfall, the last day of astronomical spring was indeed a warm one. Under beautiful sun-filled skies, highs for most soared back into the upper 80s. Expect more of the same as we make the seasonal switch to summer. 

Officially, the summer solstice occurs at 9:57AM. This is the point where the focus of the suns rays will be directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Hence why today is the longest day of the year for the northern hemisphere and the shortest day of the year for those who live in the southern hemisphere. All in all, we'll see just over 15 hours of daylight. In that time, the weather remains, sun-filled, dry and warm. 

In a similar fashion to Tuesday, the breeze that develops by the afternoon along with very dry air will pose for an elevated fire risk. Please, continue to avoid any outdoor burns! 

Another big thing to keep in mind if you have any outdoor plans is today's air quality. The combination of a little wildfire smoke and higher counts of surface ozone will result in unhealthy air quality for some. Especially in areas east and northeast of Rockford where air quality alerts are currently in place. Despite not having an alert here at home, we may still see these the impacts. Expect temperatures to once again climb into the upper 80s, with a few isolated spots briefly touching the low 90s. 

Remaining Warm:

Post-summer solstice, temperatures aim to remain above average for the remainder of the week, and even into the upcoming weekend. 

Highs once again will peak in the upper 80s Thursday afternoon, with our next pair of 90-degree days ticketed for Friday and Saturday. Saturday being the warmer day of the two thanks to enhanced flow coming out of the south and southwest. Once we get into Sunday, we are still looking at a decent chance for rain and even thunderstorms thanks to a cold front sliding in from the west. Overall, models were in disagreement on the timing of the front as well as the nature of Sunday's rain. However, chances may very well carry on into the beginning of next week.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Continued Warmth, Elevated Fire Risk Tuesday

Continued Warmth:

Like Father's Day, Juneteenth featured plenty of sun with temperatures in the upper 80s. Expect more of the same today, with winds blowing out of the east-northeast this afternoon. 

Dew point temperatures remain low, resulting in comfortable humidity. However, that in combination with today's breeze will elevate the fire risk for some. To avoid spreading fires, please limit or postpone any outdoor burning during the day. But if you have plans to be outdoors, make sure to have the sunscreen with you as the UV index sits at a 9 of 11. It will only take 30 minutes for signs of sunburn to show if precautions aren't taken! 

First Day of Summer:

More sunshine is in the works for the first day of summer. But expect a few fair-weather cumulus clouds to pop-up by the afternoon. Those with lung/heart issues, young children, older adults, and who exercise frequently may have to limit time outdoors as the air quality is expected to worsen. Mainly due to ozone and a bit of wildfire smoke drifting into our atmosphere. Highs will once again fall short of the 90° mark by a degree or two. 

Staying Warm & Dry:

The upper-level ridge will continue its dominance into the second half of the work week. Thursday and Friday are expected to remain dry, with temperatures peaking in the mid to upper 80s. 

Ahead of our next cold front, winds will turn more out of the south and southwest for Saturday, resulting in what will likely be our next 90-degree day. 

It seems that the ridging aloft will continue to keep a grip on our atmosphere into the weekend, leaving Saturday mainly dry. However, models do show a low drifting to our north, sliding it's associated cold front through sometime Sunday afternoon and evening, bringing a round of showers and thunderstorms with it. As of this moment, details about how much rain is uncertain. But I'm sure we will welcome it with open arms, considering this June is sitting 6th for driest on record with a whopping rainfall total of 0.37". Fingers crossed!

Monday, June 19, 2023

Elevated fire risk for some Tuesday

 


The ongoing drought continues to fuel the warmth being felt across the region. Temperatures Monday warmed into the middle and upper 80s, with this pattern expected to continue for the next several days.

The heat and lack of rainfall have also had an impact on the drought, which is likely to get worse before getting any better. The dry ground and lack of any deep gulf moisture has kept dew point temperatures (and humidity) low over the last several weeks. It also means that we haven't had much rainfall.


Northeast winds are expected to increase slightly during the day Tuesday, gusting 20-25 mph. The drier air mass, gusty winds, and high heat will lead to an elevated fire risk for some during the afternoon. Please limit any outdoor burning during the day Tuesday as relative humidity values are forecast to fall below 40% throughout the day.  

Dry & Warm Week Ahead, Summer Begins Wednesday

Dry Stretch Continues:

If you had any plans this past weekend, whether it was attending Old Settlers Days or celebrating Father's Day, the weather cooperated big-time. Both Saturday and Sunday featured quite a bit of sunshine, with highs peaking in the low to mid 80s. 

However, with mother nature leaving us high and dry, our rainfall deficit continues to worsen. According to the record books, the 0.37" that the Rockford Airport has picked up since the 1st is the 6th driest on record. Looking at the week ahead, a blocking ridge of high pressure sets up over the midsection of the lower 48. For the Stateline, this keeps our weather pattern warm and dry. 

Monday begins with some cloud cover thanks to a weak area of low-pressure spinning over the Ohio and Tennessee Valley. As the low slowly spirals away from the area, clouds will give way to more sunshine as we enter the afternoon hours. That, along with a easterly wind, will make for a comfortably warm start to the work week, with highs. in the upper 80s.

 

Skies will remain mostly clear overnight, allowing temperatures to fall in the low 60s. Ahead of the morning commute, patchy fog may form. Tuesday will basically be a repeat of today as ridging aloft remains in control. 

Winds Tuesday will be blowing more out of the east-northeast, keeping our humidity levels comfortable ahead of the seasonal switch. We officially make the switch to summer Wednesday at 9:57AM.

Drought Worsens:

Towards the late-week/weekend time frame, models do show our rain chances increasing slightly. A very low chance Friday and Saturday, with possibly our highest chance coming in on Sunday as a low dives towards the region from the northwest. 

It's definitely something to monitor. But with it being a good 5 to 7 days out, changes are likely. Fingers crossed that the trend holds! 

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Sunny Saturday, Low Shower Chance for Father's Day

Sunny Saturday:

Friday morning's cloud cover thinned out to sun-filled skies, resulting in a extremely comfortable end to the work week. Father's Day weekend kicks off with just as much sunshine thanks to high pressure sitting over the Great Lakes. This, along with today's light east to southeasterly wind will help temperatures climb back above mid-June standards, with most peaking in the low 80s. Despite the small uptick in our temperatures, humidity remains comfortable.

Father's Day:

Our lone rain opportunity over the next 7 days comes Sunday evening as a weak low-pressure system slides across southern Illinois. This will increase our cloud cover into the afternoon, with a chance for a few spotty showers arriving later on in the day. Forecast models continue to keep the highest coverage west of the Mississippi River, but a few isolated showers remain possibly into Sunday evening. Highs will continue to trend upward in the mid 80s.

Feeling Summer-Like:

We officially make the jump into summer Wednesday morning at 9:57AM CDT, and boy will it ever feel like summer. A "blocking" ridge of high pressure will set up over the central U.S early next week, resulting in a jump in our temperatures and humidity. 

Highs Monday through Wednesday are set to peak in the upper 80s, with low 90s more than likely both Thursday and Friday. Not only will this ridge make it feel a bit more like summer, but it will also do it's job in "blocking" any chance for rain during this stretch. It's possible we may see a better shot at some rainfall sometime next weekend. But with it being 6 to 7 days out, the forecast will likely change.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Comfortable Friday Ahead, Mainly Dry For Father's Day Weekend

Comfortable Friday:

Weather headlines locally on Thursday were all tied to the amount of wildfire smoke in our atmosphere. The smoke was so thick that visibility was impacted (especially around the time the cold front came through), air quality worsened, and highs for most struggled to reach the 80° mark. Thankfully, the highest concentration of smoke today will be focused more in areas to our south and west. Meaning, impacts won't be as high. 

But if your routine takes you out the door early, grab a light jacket. Temperatures this morning are starting out considerably cooler than Thursday morning, with most sitting in the upper 40s. 

High pressure sitting over the Great Lakes will keep skies dry from start to finish. With winds coming off of Lake Michigan, expect highs to land in a similar range to yesterday, in the upper 70s and low 80s. A few clouds stick around overnight, with temperatures falling back into the low 50s.

Father's Day Weekend:

With high pressure sitting overhead, another day of sunshine is on tap for Saturday Temperatures should warm nicely, inching closer to the mid 80s. Forecast models then continue to show a weak disturbance tracking to the south of the region on Sunday. 

This will bring a few more clouds along with the slightest chance of a light few showers. Even an isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. The temperature climb continues, with most peaking around the mid 80 Father's Day afternoon. As a ridge of high pressure strengthens in the upper levels of the atmosphere, the temperature climb will continue into next week. Temperatures Tuesday through Thursday will end up rather close to the 90-degree mark.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Smokey Skies Hang Tight, Father's Day Weekend Trending Drier

Smoky Skies Return:

Wednesday's isolated rain chance didn't pan out. However, we did see quite a bit of wildfire smoke blanket our skies throughout the day. 

Same ordeal for Thursday. But this time around, the smoke filtering in today is part of a thicker plume, meaning it will have a slightly higher impact on visibility and air quality. 

As of this morning, the Illinois EPA has not issued an Air Quality Alert for our counties in northern Illinois. Our three counties up in southern Wisconsin on the other hand has been placed under an Air Quality Alert until 12PM. To be safe, those with heart and lung conditions, the young, and the elderly should limit time outdoors.  

Other than the wildfire smoke, today looks to be a rather pleasant day. One that features a mix of clouds and sunshine, comfortable humidity, and seasonable temperatures with most peaking in the low 80s. 

A backdoor cold front sneaking in from the northeast may spark up an isolated shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon or evening. However, this looks to be more for areas along and south of Interstate 88. Partly cloudy skies stick around overnight, with lows falling back into the low 50. The cooler air filtering in behind today's front may be enough to drop a few spots into the upper 40s Friday morning. 

Old Settlers Days:

Again, take into account the air quality if you plan to attend the first day of Old Settlers Days. High pressure inching closer from the west will make for a sun-filled and comfortable Friday. Winds coming off the lake will bring our temperatures down by a few degrees, possibly into the upper 70s. 

Father's day weekend is trending drier, though we will keep a small chance for a few light showers on Father's Day itself. Highs start out in the low 80s, possibly peaking in the mid to upper 80s on Sunday. With the ridging to our west building back up during the Sunday-Monday time frame, this weekend's temperature climb aims to carry on into next week. 

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Pattern Turns Drier, Warmer Ahead of Father's Day Weekend

Lack of Rainfall: 

As we've discussed previously, June is typically known as the 3rd wettest month of the year for the Rockford Area. Unfortunately, expansive troughing to the east has severely limited our potential for a soaking rainfall over the past few weeks.  

All in all, Rockford has only picked up 0.37" of rain since June 1st, making this June the 12th driest on record through the first 13 days. Don't get me wrong, Tuesday's rainfall was welcomed with open arms. However, it certainly wasn't enough to put a dent in ongoing drought situation. 

Isolated Chances:

Looking ahead, rain opportunities will be hard to come by as our weather pattern the next few days dries out. While an isolated shower or two cannot be ruled out this afternoon, most of our Wednesday will turn out dry under a mixed hazy sunshine. Highs are set to peak in the low 80s, but a northerly breeze will keep humidity at comfortable levels. More of the same is in the works for Thursday. 

The one feature we'll have to keep an eye on is a lake-enhanced cold front, which could spark off a non-severe thunderstorm or two during the afternoon. Otherwise, expect dry conditions to dominate, with temperatures warming nicely into the low to possibly mid 80s. Ridging higher up will fully dry out our atmosphere by Friday, resulting in a sun-filled but hazy end to the work week. 

For those who plan to attend Old Settlers Days or plan to celebrate Father's Day, this weekend looks dry for the most part. The only chance for rain comes in the form a few light showers late Saturday night, which may extend into early Sunday as a weak low passes to our south! Highs remain in the low 80s, climbing into the mid to upper 80s early next week.