Friday, November 1, 2024

Widespread soaking rainfall on the way next week

 After a windy and cold Halloween evening, Friday was pleasant with abundant sunshine and much less wind. Saturday will feature more of the same and even warmer temperatures. Afternoon highs will reach near the 60-degree mark, a little warmer than average for this time of year. But our next rain chances loom large late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Many likely remain dry through much of Saturday night, but early Sunday morning will be when our first wave of showers arrive. Heaviest rain through early morning will likely remain West of I-39, but showers will fill in across the whole region by midday. Steady to moderate rain then will last through Sunday afternoon before tapering off into the evening.

A second wave of showers will then arrive Monday morning, with similar intensity of showers until the early afternoon. Another lull in the precipitation arrives for the afternoon before more rain filters in late evening and overnight Monday. This Monday night window may feature embedded thunderstorms, with some strong storms possible. Our last main window of precipitation arrives Tuesday morning and lasts through much of the afternoon. As of now, rain looks to stick around through much of the daytime hours on Tuesday, so make plans to bring an umbrella with if you as you head out to vote on election day!

Total rainfall amounts over the three-day period may exceed 2-3" for some, with the highest axis of rainfall across Northwestern Illinois as of now. This rain would certainly help with drought conditions that have been growing over the last couple months. Higher amounts of rain especially within tracks of any thunderstorms may swing the pendulum too far though, with some minor flooding possible amid the highest rainfall totals.

With the rainy stretch, temperatures will remain very mild with highs in the 60s each of Sunday-Tuesday. Overnight lows Sunday and Monday nights will also be in the 60s, even above our normal *highs* this time of year! Our next cold front arrives Tuesday evening, dropping us back into the 50s for the second half of next week.

November begins with cool temperatures, lots of sunshine

Welcome to November everyone! With the start of the new month comes a November-like chill thanks to the cold front from Thursday. 

Temperatures prior to sunrise are sitting 25° to 30° cooler compared to Thursday morning with most locales sitting in the upper 30s. Dress warmly if you have to out the door early. 

 

High pressure sliding in behind Thursday's frontal passage will keep our weather under control to round out the work week. Sun-filled skies are expected, though temperatures will be cooler as winds stay chilly out of the northwest. Light winds and mostly clear skies will be in place tonight, setting the stage for another chilly morning Saturday.  

 

This high pressure system will then shift east of the region, allowing winds Saturday to be more out of the southeast. This will bring temperatures up a few degrees compared to today, landing afternoon highs near the 60° mark. Clouds will increase Saturday evening, paving the way for our next for showers and possibly a few thunderstorms.

This is a welcoming sight considering the how much the severe drought expanded in the latest edition of the drought monitor. Although we won't see constant rain, on and off periods of rain will continue through Election Day. Temperatures during this stretch will be on the rise, landing in the upper 60s ahead of another cold front Tuesday.