Thursday, June 13, 2024

Storm potential tags along with Thursday's heat and humidity

The summer heat returned in a major way Wednesday as the Rockford Airport logged its warmest day of the year. Officially, Rockford peaked at 92°.

Highs are set to flirt with the 90° mark today, though it does come with more humidity and also the chance for late-day strong to severe storms. 

 In the latest outlook issued by the Storm Prediction Center, our viewing area has been divided by three severe categories. Southern Wisconsin has been placed under a Level 1, Marginal Risk, leaving a good portion of northern Illinois under a Level 2, Slight Risk. However, Carroll and Lee Counties have been upgraded to a Level 3, Enhanced Risk for severe weather. What does this all mean? The further south you're located, the more numerous storm chances will be. 

Location of storm develop is still somewhat of an uncertainty as it all depends on the speed of the cold front as it passes through. A slower frontal passage would increases our chances for a few severe storms. Faster frontal passage, lower severe threat. 

Timing would be from mid afternoon into the evening, with strong winds, damaging hail, and heavy downpours being the primary concerns. Chances look to wind down around 9PM-10PM, allowing skies to gradually clear into Friday morning.

Friday is actually going to be one of two enjoyable days of the next 7 thanks to today's frontal passage. Saturday being the other. 

Storm chances remain clear of the area, humidity will be lower, and highs will be cooler. This is great news for those who plan to attend Days 2 and 3 of Old Settlers Days in Rockton!  

Oppressive heat and humidity will be quick to return starting Sunday thanks to a "ring of fire" pattern setting up over the eastern U.S. 

Father's Day, Monday, Tuesday, and  Wednesday feature highs in the low 90s with overnight lows dropping only into the low 70s. If this 4 day stretch of 90° heat verifies, it would be the first 4-day stretch in Rockford since June 2022.

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