Near-record warmth, severe potential returns to northern Illinois

You had to hold onto everything Sunday as winds for much of the day were quite blustery.

Most of our locales registered a peak gust between 45 to 55 mph, which allowed another record to fall at the Rockford International Airport. Near-record warmth is expected for the start of the new work week. However, it comes with another round of gusty winds and a low risk for severe weather.  

The best chance for sunshine Monday will be during the morning hours as clouds are expected to increase into the afternoon. At the same time, a warm wind out of the south will organize, allowing high temperatures to peak near the 70° mark. 

Our forecast high of 70° falls short of the record high for March 4th by 1-degree. The combination of today's unseasonably warm temperatures, dew points in the upper 50s, and ample wind shear will allow a low severe threat to arise this evening.

In their latest severe outlook for today, the Storm Prediction Center kept the entire viewing area under a level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk. Storm chances will be best from 4PM to 10PM, with hail and strong winds being the biggest of the severe concerns. 

While the spin along this cold front isn't nearly as impressive as last Tuesday, there will be enough present for brief tornado. Just to be on the safe side, keep an eye on radar this evening, and make sure to have that severe weather shelter updated!

Showers and thunderstorms will continue to be possible into the early stages of Tuesday as the cold front slides through. Rainfall totals for most should land in the .25" to .75" range, with a spot or two winding up closer to the 1" mark. 

Rain will come to an end early, paving the way for mixed sunshine during the afternoon Tuesday. Winds remain breezy, but this time will be blowing out of the northeast. This will result in a much cooler afternoon, with most peaking in the low 50s.