Summer-like for the weekend with severe storms possible late Tuesday

Yesterday's summer-like weather was the perfect way to kick off the Rockford's City Market season. Under sun-filled skies, Rockford officially peaked at 82°, marking the 5th 80° day of 2024. 

All I have to say is, if you loved yesterday's weather, today features just as much sunshine and even warmer afternoon highs. In fact, today is going to be the warmest day of the year as temperatures aim to peak in the mid to upper 80s. 

Perfect weather for golf outings and to fire up the barbecue. If you have any outdoor plans, it will be important to have your sunglasses as well as apply sunscreen from time to time. 

A weak cold front will then sweep through overnight, adding a few more clouds to our sky. There may be just enough moisture and lift for a spotty shower or sprinkle. For the most part, forecast models keep conditions dry as this frontal boundary passes through, with cloud cover decreasing into daybreak Sunday. Overnight lows will trend a bit warmer than this morning, landing in the low 60s. 

Despite northeasterly flow being in place, Sunday's warmer base will be enough for highs to peak in the mid to upper 80s once again. Sunday features a few more clouds, and a slim chance for an afternoon shower or storm. Thankfully, the highest storm threat will be confined to the central plains! 

We will however have to monitor the potential for significant severe weather Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. In their early morning update, the Storm Prediction Center upgraded a good portion of the region to a 30% severe risk, which is equivalent to a level 3 of 5 enhanced risk. 

From what I gathered, storms will fire out west as a strong low pressure system slides into southern Minnesota. With time, these storms will track east, landing in the Stateline sometime late in the afternoon into the evening, posing a threat for damaging winds and a few tornadoes. For now, check the forecast frequently and make sure you and your family review your severe weather plan. The finer details about Tuesday's severe threat should come about Sunday night into Monday. Storm chances will continue into Wednesday as the associated cold front passes through. This cold front will also mark the end to this summer-like stretch, bringing high temperatures back into the low 70s.