Hotter days ahead as the ring of fire pattern reemerges

"Ring of Fire" Returns:

We haven't used the phrase "Ring of Fire" in quite some time, but it makes a return as we round out the month of August and start September. What does this mean? Expect temperatures to climb close to the 90-degree mark through the first half of the week. Since we're positioned along the northern edge of the ridge, we'll also need to keep tabs on storm potential. Weak systems ridging around the ridge may occasionally trigger showers and marginally-severe storms. 

Current Heat Alerts:

As of this morning, no counties across the Stateline are under any heat-related alerts. However, the heat is becoming more intense farther to our south and west where Heat Advisories are in place. Again, pending storm chances, we may see that expand into northern Illinois but for now, we have no alerts.

 

Today's Heat:

For today, expect mostly cloudy skies to gradually become partly cloudy as the day goes on. A weak system arriving late in the afternoon and evening could be enough to spark up an isolated shower or storm after 3-4PM. Now, with the ridge anchored to our south, a large reservoir of warm air is spreading into the low levels of the atmosphere. 

That warm air acts like a cap, limiting thunderstorm potential for much of the day and keeping any storm chances isolated and confined to the late afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s, and with humidity continuing to increase, it will feel more like the low 90s. Overnight, storm chances will lower after midnight, allowing skies to turn partly cloudy with lows in the low 70s. 

Tomorrow's Heat:

Tuesday will bring another hot and somewhat humid day to the Stateline. Like today, high pressure and the cap will keep daytime storm chances at bay for the most part, allowing temperatures to climb close to the 90-degree mark. With dew point values sitting in the low 70s, heat indices could end up in the mid to upper 90s at times Tuesday afternoon. Forecast models do show a disturbance pushing through late in the day towards the evening. This could again be enough for us to see an isolated chance for a shower or thunderstorm.Wednesday may end up being the hottest day of this upcoming stretch as highs may end up a degree or two past the 90-degree mark.