Hot and humid weather continues, strong thunderstorms possible

For the fourth time this week and for the eight time this year, temperatures at the Rockford Airport peaked in the low 90s. 

It's been so hot as of recent that the last 5 days have come in 10° above our normal highs for the June 17th-22nd time frame. Signs all point to one more hot and steamy day before much needed changes arrive following our next cold front. 

Saturday kicks off with mostly cloudy skies as a wave of torrential showers and storms slides across the southern half of Wisconsin. 

By the afternoon, partial sunshine returns, which will allow temperatures to warm rather quickly. This will likely result in Rockford's 9th 90-degree day of the year. Of course, humidity levels may be a bit more oppressive, especially since there was a few heavier downpours prior to sunrise. 

Compared to Friday, storm chances will be higher this evening as a cold front surges in from the west. The Storm Prediction Center has the region under a level 2 of 5 Slight Risk, mainly for damaging winds as well as a tornado or two. As always, have multiple ways to get watches and warnings! 

 

 

Moisture levels ahead of the cold front will be extremely high, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding. 

Some areas, especially those who live north of the Illinois/Wisconsin border, may pick up 2"-3" of rain over the next 24 hours. These areas are also under a Flood Watch until 10PM this evening.

Rain and storm chances come to a close before the midnight hours, leaving us with some cloud cover for the early portions of Sunday. Clouds should give way to some sunshine by Sunday afternoon, though winds will be more out of the northwest. This will make for high temperatures in the low 80s as well as lower humidity levels. The forecast calls for another day in the low 90s on Tuesday before highs cool significant into Wednesday and Thursday.