Foggy start, potential soaking rain ahead this week

What's Ahead:

Patchy dense fog is on the table across the Stateline this morning as excess moisture from recent rainfall combines with clear skies and light winds. Visibility may drop quickly in some locations, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers. If you encounter any dense fog this morning, slow down, allow for extra distance between you and other vehicles, and travel with your low-beam headlights.  

Once the fog lifts, our attention then turns to a much wetter weather pattern developing into the middle of the week. While there may be an isolated shower in the works for this afternoon, rain and thunderstorm chances will go up overnight into Tuesday as the stuff that forms in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa pushes in. Additional rounds of scattered showers will also be on the table Wednesday into Thursday as a ridge sets up well to our south.   

Severe Potential:

Thankfully, with whatever pushes in overnight will remain under severe limits. The Storm Prediction Center has the highest potential for severe storms across western Iowa. The Stateline remains under a "non-severe" risk at the moment. Severe potential for tomorrow also dodges the Stateline, with the highest potential south of Interstate 88.   

Potential Rainfall:

Some locations may finally wind up with a good rain from the multiple chances this week. Current forecast models suggest the potential for widespread rainfall totals exceeding 1", with some painting pockets of 2"+ rainfall across portions of the area. 

However, a lot will depend on where the frontal boundary ultimately sets up and where the strongest portion of the upper-level jet becomes established. Even small shifts in either feature could have a significant impact on where repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms develop. Regardless, the overall pattern favors an extended period of unsettled weather. I would plan on having the rain gear in hand Tuesday morning, then again late Wednesday into Wednesday night.