Weather pattern simmers down, sunshine returns

From torrential downpours to wet snow to river flooding, it's been quite the week here in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. 

But I am pleased to announce that both Friday and Saturday feature a lovely break from this week's active weather pattern. One that includes increasing sunshine and warming temperatures.

Some suns will be possible to begin our Friday, though clouds are again expected to increase a little after mid-morning. These will stick around for a portion of the afternoon.. Between that and a northerly breeze remaining in place, temperatures are to only top out in the mid to upper 40s. On a positive note, these clouds aren't expected to stick around long as clearing takes place during the evening hours. This will leave us mostly clear overnight, with overnight lows falling on either side of the 30-degree mark. 

High pressure overhead will bring a sun-filled start to the weekend. That, along with a light southeast wind will push highs back in the 50s. 

Cloud cover increases overnight into Sunday as our next storm system ejects into the plains. This will help blossom a wave of rain and thunderstorms that look to slide in mid-morning Sunday. From there, rain will remain likely into the afternoon, then turn scattered for Sunday evening.

As of this morning, the best chance for severe storms resides to our south. The Storm Prediction Center has a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) in place for portions of central and southern Illinois. Any thunderstorm that tracks through our region will pose a threat for heavy downpours and lightning. 

Dry slot of our next storm system moves overhead into Monday, leaving us partly cloudy.