Drought Monitor

The latest drought monitor was released Thursday morning from the National Drought Mitigation Center.  Illinois, with the exception of extreme western Illinois, and most of Wisconsin are doing fairly well.  However, from last week to this week there has been a slight east and northward expansion of the drought conditions across Iowa and Wisconsin.  The first image is the current drought monitor valid Thursday, August 8th.

The second image is the drought monitor from last week, July 30th.  While much of Iowa is considered under 'abnormally' dry conditions, doing a week to week comparison yields those drier than normal conditions reaching a little further north into northwestern Wisconsin and even into parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.  The central Plains and southwest remain extremely dry as little rain and very hot conditions have persisted pretty much all summer long.  This has really heightened the fire season out west.  We were fortunate enough to be lifted out of the drought earlier this year with a very wet winter season while the Plains have remained under extreme or exceptional drought conditions pretty much all summer.

A stationary boundary draped across the southern Plains to the Ohio Valley the past few days has brought torrential downpours and extensive flooding to states like Tennessee and Missouri.  Closer to home the next decent chance at measurable precipitation likely won't arrive until Monday and then it's looking dry after that.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks this Weekend

Stargazers across the nation will be in for a treat this weekend as the Perseid Meteor Shower is due to make an appearance.  The meteor shower will peak Sunday night during the pre-dawn hours of Monday morning and possibly even into Tuesday morning.  According to Space.com the peak activity for the Perseid Meteor Shower is predicted to be during the daylight hours across North America so that's why the pre-dawn hours of Monday would be ideal.  Unfortunately, cloud cover from an approaching cold front may hinder the viewing across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin late Sunday night.  By Monday night the skies should have cleared enough to try and get a good view.  If the clouds are not too thick Sunday night you may want to give viewing the meteor shower a try.  Get away from city lights, the darker the better, and look to the northeast.  Meteorologist Max Tsaparis will be tracking the weather this weekend and let you know if sky conditions will be right for optimal viewing! 

Click here for more information on the Perseid Meteor Shower

Below Average Temps Continue

The long term weather pattern for the Stateline continues to be a cool one, which shouldn't be a big surprise, given the last couple weeks.

Here's a look at how August has shaped up so far. We've seen a few warmer than average days, but they haven't been the norm.

Expect those cooler temps to continue. Next week, highs will only top out around 80 (if we're lucky). The long term forecast from the Climate Prediction Center has a 40% chance that we keep those cooler temps in place through at least the end of August.

No significant pattern change coming

Some may consider the weather we've experienced so far this summer as 'perfect' while others prefer the heat and humidity.  Well, if you're one of those who like the heat you may be waiting just a little longer.  The persistent trough that's been in place across the Great Lakes and Northeast will likely last a little longer with northwest flow bringing cold fronts and high pressure systems from Canada into the Midwest.  This means temperatures will likely remain close to or slightly below average for possibly the next week or two.  Average highs this time of year should range in the low 80's and highs through the middle of next week will be in the upper 70's to low 80's.  Nothing too cold but it doesn't look like the 90's will make a come back anytime soon.

Wednesday Video Forecast Update

Where are the storms this morning?

Tuesday morning I talked about the potential for heavy rainfall with thunderstorms that would be here by this time Wednesday morning.  Well...a check outside shows some sun with a little fog and a check of the radar shows nothing across N. Illinois and S. Wisconsin.  While there were a few showers early this morning, most of us stayed dry.  So, where was all the rain?

Thunderstorms developed just like they were forecast to Tuesday afternoon in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Those storms were moving southeast but then tracked east across Lake Michigan and are now in Michigan.  Storms did develop in Iowa late Tuesday evening but as they moved east they encountered a little more of a stable atmosphere.  While there is plenty of moisture at the surface it was a little of a limiting factor a few thousand feet above.  Also, a large cluster of storms have developed in central and southern Missouri basically robbing any storm potential further north of moisture. 

The cold front just passed through Dubuque and is still forecast to move through mid to late morning.  There still remains a possibility of an isolated storm or two developing along the front this morning but if nothing develops by 10am/11am we'll likely go through the day storm free.  To the east, however, storms will be a little more likely as a later frontal passage will occur.  These are for areas mainly east of Highway 47.

Stormy Weather For Tuesday Night

We'll be keeping tabs on potentially strong storms that will move into the Stateline late Tuesday night.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for a good chunk of Minnesota until 9:00pm. These storms are heading our way and will more than likely impact us after midnight.

The western portions of the Stateline are under a Slight Risk for severe weather tonight. We won't see much, but a few storms could produce some strong winds and small hail. The bigger concern for many of us will be heavy downpours that could lead to localized flooding.

We'll keep you updated, especially as storms start to move in later tonight! -BA