Storm chances return Tuesday, low severe risk for some

The last two days have been nothing but perfect 10 out of 10s in my opinion. 

Sure, the Stateline was subjected to more cloud cover Monday afternoon. However, this left highs for the 2nd consecutive day in the low to mid 70s, which lands 5° to 10° below average.

Tuesday is starting off on a different note as we see two rain opportunities move in this morning. The first will be around sunrise. The second arrives in the form of a decaying cluster of showers and thunderstorms, which may feature more in the way of heavier downpours as they pass on through during the mid to late morning hours. Overall, severe weather potential this morning is rather low.

Skies turn partly sunny after mid-day, allowing highs to climb back into the low 80s. Along with the uptick in temperatures comes an uptick in humidity as dew point values sit in the low 60s. 

Clouds are quick to gather into the evening as a round of showers and storms slide in from the west. These will bring the low risk for severe weather, especially for those along and east of I-39. 

Storms that remain strong to severe will be capable of strong winds and large hail. Rain chances wind down as we approach the morning commute Wednesday, leaving areas west of Freeport, Mount Carroll, and Sterling may pick up 1"-2" of rain. Areas east of that line may pick up .25" to .75".

Skies will somewhat clear, resulting in a partly cloudy sky for Wednesday afternoon. Despite a cold front coming through, high temperatures will end up warmer in the mid to upper 80s. 

This frontal boundary will play a key role into rain chances on the 4th of July as it looks to stall across central Illinois early Thursday. 

Forecast models then lift this boundary northward, resulting in scattered showers late Thursday morning into Thursday afternoon. Chances were best along and south of I-88, though that will likely change as the Thursday approaches. If you have any 4th of July plans, stay up to date with the forecast. This somewhat active weather pattern will carry on into Friday as a weak low pressure system lifts into the western Great Lakes.