Sunshine and warmth continues ahead of Tuesday's severe threat

From the 70s to the 80s, that's what temperatures did over the weekend allowing Rockford to its first 80-degree day since last October! 

To compare, our average first 80° day usually occurs towards the end of April. In fact, hitting these temperature milestones early has been the trend in 2024 as Rockford has observed its first 60°, 70°, and 80° day ahead of schedule.

High pressure building in from the west will make today another "get outside" or "open windows" type day. Skies remain sun-filled from start to finish, with the mercury peaking in the mid to upper 70s. In a similar fashion to this past weekend, make sure to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn! 

With the approach of our next storm system trending slower, tonight is trending drier with cloud cover increasing towards daybreak. 

As previously discussed, Tuesday continues to be the day that holds our next chance for storms, some of which could be strong to severe. 

The Storm Prediction Center overnight continued to keep a a majority of the Stateline under a level 2 of 5 slight risk. A enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) exists in areas to our south and west.  

 

When it comes to whether we'll have an active start to our Tuesday, we'll have to keep an eye on the activity that develops over the plains this evening. If this activity were to fizzle out prior to making it to the Stateline, that'll leave us dry with the best chance for storms holding off until the late afternoon. If storms maintain strength, most if not all of the activity will pass through below severe criteria. 

Storms from northeast Missouri and southeast Iowa take aim at the Stateline, tracking through between 4PM-10PM. All hazards will be on the table, including a few tornadoes. This is why you should also take time today to make sure your severe shelter is stocked up and prepared. It will also be important to have multiple ways to get watches and warnings. Lingering showers and storms remain possible into Wednesday as the system's cold front sweeps through. Temperatures cool following the departure of this week's storm system, landing in the low 50s Friday and Saturday.