Temperatures Sunday afternoon were more typical of what we would feel in early July rather than mid-April. Highs warmed well into the 80s, just one degree away (so far) from the record high temperature in Rockford. That record is 85 degrees set back in 2003. Our average first 80-degree day usually occurs towards the end of April.
The warmth this weekend may have gotten you in the mood to do some outdoor work, perhaps even wanting to get out and start planting. And while the weather sure did cooperate for that, we tend to average our last Spring freeze towards the end of April. A good rule-of-thumb is to begin gardening around Mother's Day weekend. Typically, by early May the risk for a late season freeze is pretty low. So, if you're wanting to plant something that isn't a little more tough towards the cold, you'll likely be better off waiting for another few weeks.
Winds will remain light and skies clear for the rest of Sunday evening. This will allow temperatures to fall once the sun sets, down into the mid-40s. High pressure building in Monday will lead to another unseasonably warm afternoon. While temperatures won't be quite as warm (hot) as Sunday with an easterly wind and less warm air advection, the mercury will still climb to the mid and upper 70s. The forecast high for Monday is 77 degrees.
Clouds will quickly increase Monday night as moisture moves in from the south. This moisture will remain highest to our south, south of a warm front, during the afternoon Tuesday. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible early Tuesday with a better chance for storms - some strong to severe - Tuesday evening and overnight.
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