The first of potentially two rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms has it's eyes set on northern Illinois as we approach sunrise. All non-severe at the moment, but could pose a threat for hail up to 1" in diameter, damaging winds, and heavy downpours from sunrise until about 10AM-11AM.
The longevity of this morning's activity will tell the tale for the potential for a secondary round this afternoon and evening. Do storms exit in a quicker fashion, allowing time for the atmosphere to recover or recharge? And if storms do manage to form, we'll have to see if they are
able to sustain themselves, keep their strength as they quickly move into the area. Or are they slower to exit, which would significantly lower our severe potential. If redevelopment does occur, the main window will be from 2PM-8PM, with all severe hazards being in play.
In their latest round of outlooks, the Storm Prediction Center dropped the Level 3, Enhanced Risk to the south of Rockford. Included is DeKalb, Rochelle, and Sterling. North of that line, a Level 2, Slight Risk for severe weather is in place.
Again, it will be very very important to have multiple ways to get watches and warnings. Not only this morning, but also during the afternoon hours in case we do see redevelopment.
After the cold front pushes through, we cool down for Thursday. We start off the day similar to this morning with temperatures near the 40
° mark, though a more westerly wind will place highs in the upper 50s. Skies should remain partly cloudy throughout the day as an area of high pressure sits to our north. Temperatures remain in the mid 50s for Friday, though clouds will increase into the afternoon as our next rain-maker approaches from the southwest.
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