Cloud cover keeps temperatures down this afternoon



College of Dupage
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An upper level disturbance moving through Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin has helped to keep temperatures from rising much this morning.  Temperatures range from the low 30's near the Mississippi River to the middle and upper 30's here in Rockford.  It looks like the clouds will stick around through the better part of the afternoon which will limit how far temperatures rise today.  This morning I was hopeful we'd see a little more sunshine before the clouds rolled in, but they have thickened up quite a bit.  This may mean my forecast high of 47° will be too warm.  Temperatures may only make it into the low 40's (warmer spots) while the cooler areas stay in the 30's.

Pattern change next week brings winter-like temperatures to the Great Lakes



Temperatures are going to take a dive beginning next week with highs likely only topping out in the 30's.  A pattern change within the atmosphere will allow Arctic air to move into the Plains and Midwest behind a very strong cold front Monday night.  While temperatures will certainly feel like winter, it may also look a little like winter for some as well.

Models have been hinting over the past couple of days that with the cold front there will be enough lift and possibly moisture to provide at least a little light snow Monday night through Wednesday.  But as the old saying goes: 'The devil is in the details'.  Just how much moisture and the exact track of the front and upper level features will determine who receives what and how much of it.  Unfortunately this far out, those answers remain a little fuzzy.  Even as the cold front moves into central and southern Illinois Tuesday, cloud cover and cold air will likely produce at least flurries Tuesday and Wednesday.  As the weekend moves closer we'll be able to better pinpoint snow versus a rain/snow mix and who will see what.

Temperatures drop nearly 30 degrees from this time yesterday morning

It's a little frosty this morning under clear skies and light winds.  Temperatures have dropped into the middle and upper 20's with nearly a 30° temperature drop from Wednesday morning!

Temperatures today will remain on the cooler side with highs only rising into the middle 40's.  A weak upper level disturbance will move through later this afternoon bringing a little more cloud cover with it.  Temperatures will fall back into the middle 20's tonight.

Wrong Way Temps

If today's weather were a road sign, it might look like this...







This is because temperatures have been falling all day thanks to a passing cold front this morning. Take a look at what temperatures did on Wednesday:

After starting off the morning in the mid 50s, we plunged into the low 40s by midday, eventually hitting the 30s by 7:00pm. But the cool down doesn't stop there. Clearing skies tonight will allow lows to dip into the upper 20s. Bundle up! -BA

Get ready for the plunge!

Temperatures will fall behind a cold front already moving into western Illinois.  Steady rainfall from this morning will move east of the Stateline by Noon as the front moves into Chicago.  We're starting this morning with temperatures in the middle 50's but you don't have to look too far to the west to see the cold air already filling in.  Temperatures will drop nearly 10° to 12° within a couple hours once the front passes this afternoon.  So, the two things you'll want to make sure you have before leaving the house: the umbrella and winter jacket!  Northwest winds gusting to 30 mph will keep wind chills in the 30's through the evening.

Rain headed in this direction but the snow flies in the Midwest

A cold front extending southwest from Wisconsin through Iowa is the dividing line from the warmer air in Illinois and the cold air in place across the Northern Plains.  Strong low pressure moving along the boundary today will continue to pull moisture northward through Missouri and central Illinois.  The greatest lift, or energy, within the atmosphere will remain to the west this afternoon but begin to shift east tonight.  Showers continue to fall in Eastern Iowa late this morning along the stalled cold front and will be the focus for heavier rainfall this afternoon. 

I anticipate the rain to move in from the south this afternoon and evening and become more widespread tonight.  Rain, some moderate to heavy, will be ongoing Wednesday morning until the cold front passes by Noon Wednesday.  A few showers will be found behind the front and may mix with a little sleet northwest of a line from Freeport to Monroe.  Temperatures will hold steady in the 50's tonight and for a few hours Wednesday morning before dropping into the 40's by the afternoon.  Rainfall amounts will range from 0.50" up to 1.0" by the time the rain ends Wednesday evening.  While we remain on the warm side of the system snow is already falling across the Central Plains from Nebraska to South Dakota.  Up to six inches of snow will be possible behind the front tonight and early Wednesday.  Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for a portion of the Midwest.

Are You Ready for Winter?

Believe it or not, this week is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Wisconsin. The point of this week is to make sure you're prepared for potential blizzards, ice storms, and extreme cold.

One of the biggest issues that come with winter weather is snow and ice covered roads. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the state averages 50,000 vehicle accidents every winter, leading to around 45 deaths.



You might think that we're talking about snow a little early, but northern Wisconsin could see a significant amount of the white stuff Tuesday night. Some models are suggesting up to half a foot of snow will be possible for northern parts of the Badger State.

RPM: Accumulated Snow Through Wednesday Morning

For tips and tricks on how to prepare and stay safe during winter weather, you can go to the Winter Weather Awareness Week page, courtesy of the National Service Service office in Milwaukee. -BA