Severe potential fades across northern Illinois, quieter days ahead

Active Wednesday:

Yesterday's severe weather unfolded a bit differently than it could have, thanks in large part to a morning round of strong thunderstorms. 

This, like last Thursday, helped take the edge off the atmosphere across northern Illinois by overworking the air mass, limiting how unstable things could have become later in the day, ultimately pushing the more significant threat for severe weather to the south. While conditions were less favorable locally for widespread severe storms, the system still managed to produce one tornado in southern Wisconsin. Details on that tornado, including strength and exact path, will be evaluated in the coming day.  

Less Active Days Ahead 

In the wake of that system, we settle into a much quieter and more tranquil stretch of weather heading into the next couple of day. Partly cloudy skies will help make for a pleasant day overall, with a steady breeze out of the northwest keeping afternoon highs in check. Expect us to top out in the low 70s, still a good amount below late-June standards. While most of today stays dry, a weak system sliding in this evening could spark an isolated shower, but coverage remains limited and impacts minimal. 

Friday brings a subtle warm-up as winds shift more westerly, helping temperatures climb back into the upper 70s, much closer to where we should be for this time in June. Along with the warmer air, we'll also have a chance for a few scattered showers and storms during the afternoon. Coverage, like today, doesn't look to be widespread at this point.