Strong to severe storm chances quick to return Wednesday

It's been rather tough to enjoy these well above-average days recently as gusty winds have accompanied the warmth. Most locales Monday came in with a peak wind between 40-50 mph, with the Rockford Airport registering the second highest gust behind Galena at 48 mph. 

Tuesday features lighter winds, though a breeze will be noticeable from time to time. That, along with some sunshine (especially early on in the day) will help temperatures climb nicely, landing closer to the 70-degree mark this afternoon. Clouds hang tight overnight into Wednesday, with temperatures landing in the upper 40s and low 50s. 

Another mild day is on tap Wednesday, though rain chances will increase as a potent storm system swings in from the central plains. The Stateline first sees rain chances around midday, with a second, potentially more formidable cluster of showers and storms to arrive during the mid to late afternoon hours. In their latest round of outlooks, the Storm Prediction Center has placed the southern half of the area under a Level 2 out of 5, Slight Risk for severe weather, with the rest being placed under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk. 

Of the severe hazards, damaging winds will be the primary concern followed by a tornado or two. Once this potent low is to our east. cooler air will sweep into the western Great Lakes. This will allow precipitation to transition to a wet snow during the early stages of Thursday morning. Skies will then gradually clear into Thursday afternoon as a ridge of high pressure briefly settles in. Expect afternoon highs to land in the mid 40s.