Drought conditions worsen across the Stateline

 

The latest drought monitor from the National Drought Mitigation Center shows 'moderate drought' conditions now across all of northern Illinois, and most of southern Wisconsin. Severe drought conditions continue across northern and northeast Wisconsin as rainfall during the month of October has been very hard to come by.

For the month, Rockford has only recorded a 'trace' of precipitation which occurred back on the 4th, leading

to nearly a 0.9-inch deficit. While a few spotty showers may occur through the weekend, any rain that does occur will be rather light and accumulations won't amount to much. A steadier rain may fall further north in Wisconsin Saturday night, while a few spotty showers tied to a stalled front occur in northern Illinois.

The extremely dry conditions, combined with the anticipated winds, will lead to an elevated fire risk - especially on Friday as high temperatures warm into the low to mid 80s. Southwest winds will gust as high as 25, perhaps 30, mph throughout the afternoon. A cold front moving in late Friday night will shift winds to the northeast Saturday. A second, and slightly stronger cold front, will move in Saturday night as winds turn back around to the northwest Sunday. Gusts will remain around 20-25 mph Saturday, nearly 30 mph Sunday.

The overall dry pattern will continue into next week, but a pattern change may occur late next week which could lead to a slightly better chance for showers heading into next weekend.