Record warmth spills into Northern Illinois as "false spring" continues

Temperature Comparison: 

The "False spring" season is well underway as we've added a few more 50° days and even Rockford's first 60° to the 2026 temperature count. Up until this point last year, the Rockford Airport had yet to see a 60° day and even had less 50° days. 

Record Warmth: 

60s are back in the forecast this afternoon and will likely result in record warmth. Rockford's record high is 57° from 1921 but with the way things are shaping up, we should reach 62° this afternoon. Of course, today's record warmth comes with a good deal of sun but also a gusty wind. Winds will be out of the southwest, gusting up to 30 mph.   

Rain Chances Arrive: 

Clouds will move back in tonight as the warm front sinks back south near the Stateline. This will also bring the risk for patchy dense fog and limit tonight's temperature drop to the upper 30s. Cloud hangs tight for Tuesday in a mostly cloudy fashion and winds will be breezy. This time, flow will be out of the southeast, resulting in mild temperatures in the mid 50s. It won't be close to our record high for February 17th as that is 66° from 2017.   

Forecast models then show an area of low pressure swinging across the Midwest and spiraling towards Lake Superior Tuesday evening. With it will come the scattered chance for showers as well as the possibility for a storm into Wednesday morning. Coverage of this upcoming rain chance will not be high, and only up to a quarter inch may come down in any given location. Temperatures may remain in the upper 40s or warmer all of Tuesday night.