Warm, breezy & June‑like with storm chances to follow

Next Severe Potential:

After the active week we dealt with last week, things have been noticeably quieter. That lull won't last completely, though - a few strong storms could roll through northern Illinois late this evening into the early stages of Friday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has maintained the level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe weather for the entire area, with gusty winds being the primary concern.  

Ahead of tonight's thunderstorm chances, a June-like afternoon is shaping up thanks to very dry, but breezy conditions. Winds will be out of the south-southwest, gusting up to 30 mph at times. This will help push temperatures back into the low 80s, marking Rockford's 4th 80-degree day of the year. Normally, average highs towards the final stretch of April are sitting in the low to mid 60s. 
 

Severe Potential Shifts South:

Beyond today, the focus for any severe weather shifts well to our south. Storms capable of producing strong winds and large hail will be possible across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

 

  

Heading into the weekend, we'll be watching a classic dryline set up take shape over the southern plains. That isn't a term we typically use this far north when talking about severe weather. A dryline is a boundary where warm, humid air meets dry, hot air. IF a storm were to form along the dryline, supercells capable of producing all severe hazards, including strong tornadoes, will be possible.  

Monday is the day we'll need to keep a closer eye on for strong to severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Stateline area under a 15% risk, which is equivalent to a level 2 of 5 Slight Risk. A higher 30% risk, or Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5), is centered further south across eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois.