Quiet weekend ahead, then eyes on Monday’s storm potential

Cooler Friday: 

Sunshine did most of the heavy lifting Thursday, but a steady south to southwest breeze helped seal the deal. That warm, dry flow allowed temperatures to climb efficiently through the afternoon, pushing Rockford into the 80s for the 4th time this year. 

  

Temperatures won't be quite as warm moving forward as our next cold front pushes through before the midday hours. Ahead of this cold front will also be a few showers and possibly a thunderstorm or two. Chances will come to an end rather quickly, allowing clearing to gradually take place. Afternoon highs will end up roughly 10 to 12 degree cooler than Thursday, landing near the 70 degree mark. 

  

Weekend Forecast:

Looking ahead to the weekend, things shape up to be fairly quiet. Expect mainly dry conditions both days with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees. Rain chances should hold off as they will be more focused across the southern plains. Our next opportunity for rain and thunderstorms won't arrive until late Sunday night with chances stretching into Monday.  

Monday's Severe Potential:

It's this precipitation that we'll need to keep a close eye on as it may play a role in determining Monday's potential for strong to severe storms. How morning showers and storms evolve could either limit or enhance our local threat. At this point, the primary focus for stronger to severe weather sits farther south along the warm front in central and western Illinois. Severe potential will also be heightened near the surface low ax it lifts into eastern Iowa. For that, the Storm prediction Center has expanded the 30% or enhanced risk equivalent to included a majority of the Stateline. Again, something to keep an eye on over the weekend.