Northern Illinois to see not one, but two chances for strong to severe storms this week

Sunday's cold front will spell a chilly but dry end to what has been an active March. Temperatures this morning are sitting in the low 30s, which registers 8° to as much as 26° compared to 24 hours ago. 

Even though we do see cloud cover decrease by mid to late morning, expect this morning's chill to make for a much cooler afternoon. A cool northerly wind will limit highs to the upper 40s.

April begins with a similar chill. High pressure to our north will keep skies mostly clear, leaving us on either side of 30° mark. The difference however is cloud cover as we look to cloud over quickly by Tuesday afternoon. This, along with a more easterly to southeasterly wind will leave high temperatures in the mid 40s. Not too long after will be a chance for a few rain showers, though I do think we will have to keep an eye on stuff to the west as that could pose a severe weather threat overnight.   

In their latest round of outlooks, the Storm Prediction Center placed most of the Stateline under a level 2 of 5, Slight Risk for severe weather. Damaging winds and hail are the biggest concerns. Now, because this severe threat arrives when most of you will be catching some Zs, make sure to turn the volume up on your NOAA weather radio and your cell phone so you can easily be woken up. 

Depending on how things go Wednesday morning, the Stateline could see another threat for strong to severe storms Wednesday afternoon. All severe hazards could be on the table. Again, we will have to see how long storms last Wednesday morning as that could push the more conducive parameters east, lowering the severe threat locally. Stay tuned today and tomorrow for further updates.