Sunshine returns, temperatures gradually warm next week

The rainfall department has been quite busy since the month of June began. In total, the Rockford Airport has observed 1.45" of rain, which is a smidge above average for the first 8 days of the month. Thankfully, our weather pattern moving forward provides a decent break from the recent rainfall.

 

If you have to be out and about early, keep an eye out for patchy shallow fog. Lingering moisture from Saturday's rainfall has resulted in some denser fog in locales such as Savanna and Rochelle.

Once temperatures begin to warm, fog will quickly give way to sun-filled skies. Today will be dry from start to finish, though gusty winds will again make their presence known by the afternoon. Winds will be out of the northwest, gusting up to 35 mph at times. Despite that, expect highs to peak in the upper 70s.

Upper-level flow next week turns more zonal across the northern half of the lower 48, meaning winds will be oriented from west to east. 

This will allow warmer air trapped over the southwest U.S to spill eastward, allowing temperatures and humidity locally to climb next week. Highs look to start in the low 70s Monday, climbing into the upper 80s by Thursday afternoon.

Along for the ride will come our next best chance for thunderstorms and severe weather as a cold front sinks down from the northwest. Earlier this morning, the Storm Prediction Center has placed all of our counties under a 15% risk, which is equivalent to a level 2 slight risk for severe weather. 

As of this moment, the highest potential would arrive Thursday afternoon and evening. Of course, this is subject to change. In the meantime, check the forecast frequently as well as reserve time to review and update your severe weather plan. Temperatures following this cold front look to fall a few degrees compared to Thursday, landing in the low 80s both Friday and Saturday.