How the jet stream pattern will impact the coming week

 With an active start to the week in terms of severe weather and flooding the past few days have treated the state line to a much calmer pattern. The good news is that this pattern is not likely to chance much in the coming week as we start to close out July. Temperatures this week have been in the upper 70's with very little precipitation since Monday giving us a much calmer and cooler pattern. This is due to the jet stream pattern we are in known as a "block" pattern.

Into Sunday the current jet stream pattern is expected to stay in place as high pressure continues in the western half of the United States. With this high pressure in place, it keeps much hotter temperatures to the west as well as "blocks" or pushes enhanced upper-level winds much further north. This leaves us in a cooler and much calmer pattern as enhanced upper-level winds are needed to drive not only severe weather but precipitation as well.

With the current jet stream pattern and high pressure to the west moisture return as well won't be as strong leaving us a little drier. Moisture is needed for precipitation development so as moisture is stunted to the south don't expect too much rain chances over the weekend.

But as Tuesday and Wednesday roll around a cutoff low-pressure system over Canada will make it's way south towards the Great Lakes bringing enhanced upper-level winds and some moisture with it as well increasing precipitation chances.

As this low pressure moves over the boundary waters enhanced upper levels winds to the south of the low will make its way over the Midwest. With these stronger winds over higher moisture values through the middle of next week precipitation chances begin to rise. This break from precipitation will allow grounds to dry as well just in time for some more rain to come keeping plants and crops green and lush.

Taking a look at how this jet stream pattern affects our 7-day outlook, it's clear when better moisture and enhanced upper-level winds move over the region as precipitation chances increase through the early to mid-week. As of now Wednesday has the highest potential for thunderstorms and precipitation however both Monday and Tuesday will offer isolated chances. However, temperatures stick in the upper 70's to low 80's keeping the cooler pattern through the week.