January's mild end carries on into the few days of February

The first month of 2024 is in the books. To recap, the month of January was an busy but gloomy one. 

A very active storm track during the midsection of the month left Rockford with above-average numbers in both the snowfall and rainfall departments.  

February kicks off with similar average highs, with values ending up near 40° towards the end of the month. Snowfall-wise, a smidge lower than January as February typically produces 8.5".  

Unfortunately, January's cloudy trend isn't likely going to budge as we move into February. A weak backdoor cold front is to help blanket our skies during the early stages of our Thursday, with clouds staying put during the afternoon and evening.

On a more positive note, we do keep the mild air that rounded out the month of January. Highs ahead of today's cold front will peak in the low 40s, marking the 3rd consecutive 40° day.  

Clouds are expected to stick around overnight and at into the mid-day hours Friday. In a similar fashion to Wednesday, models show clouds breaking apart late in the day, resulting in some sun. 

High temperatures fall back a few degrees however thanks to the northeasterly flow that sets up behind today's frontal passage. 

Ridging aloft will keep the dry and mild weather pattern into the weekend, with highs peaking in the mid 40s. Not much change is expected as we roll into next week as this ridge remains over the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions!