Weekend plans? Keep the umbrella handy as rain chances increase

Dry, Warm Thursday:

Weather headlines across northern Illinois have been fairly quiet over the last few days, and with an area of high pressure still in close proximity to the region, that trend is expected to continue today. Expect a mix of clouds and sun this afternoon, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s. Humidity levels will be slightly higher as dew point temperatures should wind up back in the mid to upper 60s.  

Rain Returns Friday:

Changes will begin to arrive overnight as this quiet and stable weather pattern breaks down. Clouds will gradually increase through the night as a ridge of high pressure to our west weakens, allowing a system to shift closer to the Stateline. 

  

As a result, the chance for rain will go up as we get into the late-morning hours Friday. Some of this rain could produce locally heavy rainfall thanks to the amount of moisture surging northward. Now, we will need to see where this storm system tracks because that would ultimately pin down who gets a widespread and soaking rainfall. Rain is expected to stay put on a scattered basis through Friday afternoon and well into Friday night. 

There's a good chance shower chances linger trough the first half of Saturday as this storm system drifts into southern Illinois. When it comes to rainfall amounts, be sure to check back later this evening as we still have time for the forecast to adjust. That said, confidence has slightly increased in a wetter outcome over the past 24 hours, with precipitation totals trending upward. Currently, the Weather Prediction Center places the axis of heaviest rainfall across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. 

Festa Italiana 2026:

Those heading out to Day 3 of the Ogle County Fair and opening day of Festa Italiana will want to keep an umbrella handy and stay up to date on the forecast and event schedules. Periods of showers could impact outdoor activities at times Saturday, though it won't be a washout from start to finish. The good news is that as the system pulls away, rain chances should diminish later Saturday into Sunday, paving the way for drier conditions as both events wrap up.