Significant severe weather on the table Tuesday afternoon and evening

Monday's 80° weather did come with the first of two opportunities for the Stateline to see strong to severe thunderstorms this week. 

All that came from it however was one severe thunderstorm warning as storms didn't get going until they were practically over Lake Michigan. The second opportunity could arrive in multiple waves, with the more significant threat holding off until the late afternoon - evening hours. 

In their latest severe outlook for today, the Storm Prediction Center expanded the level 4 Moderate Risk to include areas west of Rockford and Amboy. This leaves the rest of the region under a level 3 Enhanced Risk for severe weather. 

A wave of thunderstorms is currently passing to our west as we approach sunrise. This round will play a role in today's severe threat in two ways. 

The first, it may allow us to see a few isolated storms prior to midday. Hail would be the biggest concern. Secondly, this round may cast off what is called an outflow boundary, which if to interact with the warm front or any other boundaries, would heighten the severe threat for this afternoon. If that were to occur, damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes would be on the table. If not, then expect conditions to remain partly cloudy, muggy, and warm with high temperatures climbing close to the 90°  mark.

As previously mentioned, the highest threat would come during the hours of 6PM-10PM. This is when forecast models show a robust line of severe storms tracking in from the west, posing a risk for potentially significant damaging straight-line winds, an isolated tornado or two, and heavy rainfall. 

Before leaving the house this morning, be sure to think about your severe weather plans in case today's threat impacts your daily schedule. 

Ask yourself these questions... Where can you take shelter if a severe storm heads your way? What ways will you keep tuned to the forecast so you’re aware of any warnings? It's always wise to plan ahead of time so you don’t have to in the moment. 

Once storms move out, we can expect conditions to turn quiet but remain windy into our Wednesday. With a more westerly wind in place, highs will peak in the mid 70s. From there, highs will be on the up and up again, hitting the low 80s by Friday.