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Illinois is waking up to a mild and soggy Monday morning. A band of heavy rain will continue to work west to east across the state this morning, with claps of thunder and very gusty winds as this rolls east. As we head from mid morning through early afternoon, most areas will get under the “dry slot” of this storm, meaning some breaks of sun would be possible for a time with mainly dry conditions. An increasing threat for scattered showers will return mid afternoon through the evening as a secondary cold front sweeps through the state. Here is a look at future radar from 4am CT this morning to 6pm CT this evening:
Temperatures will fall overnight as we get into the backside of this storm, with scattered rain and snow showers increasing overnight through the first half of Tuesday.
I do think extreme northern portions of the state could see light snow accumulations on the order of an inch or two…mainly Galena, Mt. Carroll, Freeport, Rockford, Woodstock, Belvidere, Arlington Heights, Waukegan areas. South of there, a dusting on the grass possible.
Wind will be another big story over the next 36 hours…gusts 40-50 mph possible early this morning as the band of heavy rain works through. Remaining very breezy this afternoon through Tuesday as winds gradually shift from south to west-northwest.
Improving weather returns Wednesday-Friday. Expect some lingering clouds Wednesday with a spotty shower/flurry possible, then lots of sunshine returns Thursday. Increasing clouds on Friday ahead of our next system. Temperatures will be near average Wednesday (30s & 40s), then well above average highs Thursday and Friday with many areas 50º+!
Our next system looks to bring rain showers to the state Friday night through Saturday. Trends have been more progressive with this front, which means we may get the rain out quicker for a nice second half of the weekend. Timing will likely adjust some given we are several days out.
