Record warmth likely as this unseasonably warm week continues

It's absolutely crazy to fathom that 6 years ago today, the Stateline and a good chink of the Midwest was forecasting all-time record cold. 

Thankfully, that isn't on the table as the polar vortex is currently in a strong state, keeping the coldest air up in the Arctic Circle. In fact, temperatures this time around will be 65°-70° warmer, which will likely be enough to break today's record high.

Southwest winds take over for Thursday, which will result in a healthier temperature climb. Despite the fact that cloud cover will be on the increase this afternoon, confidence remains that temperatures will surge into the 50s. Currently, we have today's high at 54° which if that were to happen would break our daily record high of 52° established in 2012. This would also wind up being Rockford's first 50° day since December 28th (33 days ago).

Not too far behind the increase in cloud cover is our next chance for precipitation. For the most part, this event features scattered liquid rain, though colder air wrapping in may allow snowflakes to mix in during the first half of our Friday. 

With low pressure pivoting to our south, winds during the day will be out of the northeast. This will bring afternoon highs down a bit from today, leaving all Stateline locales in the low 40s.