Rainfall returns with slow-moving front; severe threat remains low

Warm, Wet Morning:

We're starting the day on a warm and muggy note across the Stateline after a round of intense showers moved through overnight. The rainfall left a decent amount of moisture behind, and with air temperatures now sitting very close to dew point values, patchy fog has developed in some locales. 

  

Now, we aren't talking about a widespread fog event considering we have another round of scattered rain and storms possibly pushing this morning. However, a locale or two may see visibility drop down towards 5 miles over the next hour or two. 

 

  

Along with the extra travel time, you'll want to an umbrella handy as shower and thunderstorm chances begin to increase after 5-6AM. Severe potential this morning is low. However, the amount of moisture pooling along the approaching cold front will allow heavy downpours to be possible. 

The entire day won't be a washout as forecast models do give us some dry time during the late morning and early afternoon hours. But remember, this may give the atmosphere some time to recover, allowing storm fuel to build ahead of a secondary chance for storms this afternoon. 

Severe Potential: 

For that, the Storm Prediction Center has placed the southern and southwest portion of northern Illinois under a level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk, mainly for strong winds. Any chance for a shower or thunderstorm will push into the first few hours of the night tonight, with chances ending before midnight. By then, the better chance for any rain will push south of I-88, closer to the I-80 corridor along the front. 

Summer Rainfall:

As far as rainfall totals are concerned, most will end up in the .25" to .50" range IF some of the stronger showers are able to sustain strength. That will be a continuation of the somewhat good start we've had to the month of August rainfall-wise. Through the first 4 days, we've observed .46" of rain which is only .06" off the average during that stretch.