Enjoy the 70s while you can - 90s returns next week

Remaining Comfortable:

It's been an impressively comfortable second half of June across northern Illinois, with temperatures running below typical early-summer levels. We've seen a steady run of cool afternoons and low humidity, making it feel more like late spring at times than early summer. In fact, yesterday marked the 12th day this month where afternoon highs didn't even make it to the 80-degree mark.  

For those, like me, who love this kind of comfortable weather, the good news is it sticks around for a few more days before true summer kicks in. Today will feature more of the same, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s under a partly cloudy sky. Rain chances stay low as the recent storm system pulls away, and with a light breeze out of the west and northwest, humidity levels will remain in check. Conditions stay cool and comfortable overnight into Friday, with lows dropping into the upper 50s. 

Friday keeps the quiet stretch going with comfortable and dry conditions, as afternoon highs once again will settle into the upper 70s. Rain chances will be low for much of the day, though an isolated afternoon shower cannot be ruled out as a weak storm system slides across the southern half of the state. 

 

Summer Heat Returns:

A strengthening ridge of high pressure will the take over, helping to crank up the summer heat late this weekend into next week. So far, Rockford hasn't seen a single 90-degree day this June, but that's likely to change as we get to the end of the month. 

Afternoon Highs are expected to climb into the 90s starting Tuesday, marking a noticeable shift in the pattern. And of course, with that heat will come increasing humidity, pushing heat index values into the triple-digits on multiple days next week, especially Wednesday. For those reasons, enjoy these cooler, comfortable days - and the chance to keep the A/C off while you can.