Temperatures to stay mild as we approach meteorological spring

The mercury has taken a quick trip north following last week's long-lived Arctic blast. 

A trip that left high temperatures Monday roughly 15° warmer than late-February standards, in the low to mid 50s. Rockford ended up being the warmest of our locales, coming in at 56°. This was not only the warmest day of 2025 to date, but it also marked the third time this year we've observed a 50° day. Take that number and double it and you get the number of 50° days we had at this point last year.

With how this week's weather pattern is shaping up, Rockford could add a few more 50° days. The first of the opportunities arrives today. 

Following last night's frontal passage, models show high pressure settling to our south. This will help get rid of some of the leftover cloud cover, leaving us with a mixed sunshine for the rest of the daylight hours. Despite a northwest wind, afternoon highs should briefly touch the 50°mark.

Cloud cover will increase towards the midnight hour as another quick-moving disturbance approaches. Similar to Monday night's system, this one could bring a scattered round of sprinkles and showers into the first half of Wednesday. Any accumulations will be minor, likely below .10". We could see afternoon highs briefly touch the 50° mark Wednesday, though cloud cover may hinder that potential.

A third disturbance could bring yet another shot for light precipitation our way Thursday. With slightly cooler air in place, this could come in the form of sprinkles or snow flurries. Afternoon highs Thursday will top out in the low 40s, which will end up being the coolest day of the workweek as temperatures make a return to the 50s Friday.