Work week to end on a rainy, cooler note

Despite a northeasterly breeze in place, highs peaked in the mid to upper 50s Wednesday.

While that's not even close to how warm we were at the start of the week, it's still above-average for early-March and has come with plenty of sun.

Sunshine will be less plentiful today as our next storm system approaches from the southern plains. This will likely leave skies mostly cloudy to overcast for much of our Thursday. Despite the cloudier outlook, highs should still peak in the mid 50s. 

We'll stay fairly dry into midnight. However, as this storm system ejects into west-central Illinois, a swath of higher moisture will overspread the area. 

This will allow rain to become likely Friday, especially as daybreak approaches. Again, be sure to place the rain gear somewhere where it will be easily in sight so you don't forget it. 

 

Unlike the past two storm systems, severe weather is out of the question as atmospheric parameters are far from favorable. In fact, the highest severe potential remains well south of the region. 

The Storm Prediction Center does however have a good chunk of the Stateline under a general thunderstorm risk, meaning any thunderstorm that forms will only bring a rumble of thunder or two to the table. Rain chances will decrease from mid-day on, leaving us with a few showers for the evening commute. It's also during this time in which Friday's chilly northeasterly wind may transport enough cold air for a few wet flakes to mix in. Especially north of the IL/WI border.

Any lingering chance for rain will exit the region by the early Saturday morning, paving the way for a dry but cooler weekend. Highs will end up closer to average, in the mid to upper 40s. 

Now, as we've seen with previous cool downs, they've only been brief, lasting 2-3 days. That will likely be the case for this upcoming one as highs soar back to the 60s Monday through Wednesday.