Cooler temps, snow chances tag along with upcoming pattern shift

It's been a wild roller coaster ride this winter for those who work in the snowfall department. After an above average January, Rockford has only measured a trace of snow since February began. 

To make matters worse, January 19  happens to be the last day to feature any measurable snowfall. For the time being, all remains quiet. However, a shift in our weather pattern may bring the long-awaited return of that four-letter word by week's end.

High pressure continues to sit overhead, keeping our forecast dry for Tuesday. Winds will primarily be out of the northwest. That, along with more cloud cover will bring temperatures back a few degrees, landing most in the upper 30s close to the 40° mark.

Wednesday will also be dry, starting off with a decent amount of sunshine. However, the expectation is for clouds to increase during the late afternoon hours. Highs will peak in the upper 40s.

Not too long after that will be the arrival of our next storm system, one that will bring widespread rain later in the evening and overnight. It’s possible that there will be just enough cold air during the early stages of Thursday that a wintry mix, or even a period of wet snow may occur. Though the likelihood for anything to accumulate is rather low. 

Quickly following Thursday's system will be another quick-moving disturbance Friday.