Strong cold front to bring isolated strong storms, brief cool-down

Warmth Continues: 

Spring has wasted no time making itself know in the Rockford area this year. Since March 1st, Rockford has logged four days with afternoon highs reaching the 70° mark, including yesterday. 

 

 

This taste of spring-like weather will try to make another appearance this afternoon as temperatures climb towards the 70° mark. However, we will likely come up just short as a strong cold front is scheduled to push through during peak-heating. 

 

  

Severe Potential:

Staying on the topic of today's cold front, the severe weather threat has also diminished due to the timing of the frontal passage. With the front pushing south earlier in the day, the best values of instability and wind shear will be displaced south. 

This shifts the higher potential for strong to severe storms well to the south and southeast of the area, leaving most of the viewing area under an isolated threat. There is a sliver of Lee and DeKalb County under a level 2 Slight Risk for severe weather. 

A few sprinkles and showers will be possible during the afternoon and into the evening. If a thunderstorm were to briefly form, it would likely pop along or just south of highway 20 and track south and southeast as we enter the evening hours. IF we do end up seeing a strong or severe storm, large hail and damaging winds will likely be the main concerns. Storm chances will diminish as we get into the overnight hours, allowing some clearing to take place into Friday. Remain alert and have ways to receive severe alerts.  

Trending Upward:

Similar to Sunday's cold front, the one schedule to pass on through today will bring a significant but brief drop in temperatures Both Friday and Saturday feature highs in the 40s with Friday's chill featuring a gusty wind out of the northwest. Again, this chill won't last long as warmer flow slides back in by Sunday, landing afternoon highs in the low 60s, then low 70s Monday and Tuesday.