ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Tuesday’s record-breaking heat is a thing of the past, but warm, humid conditions will continue across much of the state line Wednesday.
Maximum temperatures reached between 27 and 29 degrees, slightly warmer than normal for this time of year, but far from the temperatures of between 35 and 40 degrees that the state’s residents had to sweat through on Tuesday.
Despite the cooler temperatures on Wednesday, the humidity remained noticeable. The dew point fluctuated between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius throughout the day, which is considered oppressive to almost unbearable.
Nevertheless, it is a significant, albeit temporary, improvement, as the heat and humidity are far from over.
In the short term, concerns about our weather on Wednesday night are minimal, but there are at least indications that fog could develop in several spots long after midnight. While it probably won’t be widespread or particularly dense, it could be just enough to slightly impact our commute on Thursday morning.
The fog that forms will not last long. There will be plenty of sunshine by mid-morning, causing temperatures to rise very quickly. As the wind picks up from the southeast, humidity will also increase. Temperatures will be around 31°C and the heat index could rise to 35°C.
A cold front will approach the area Thursday evening, eventually spreading clouds, and showers and thunderstorms are expected after midnight. These storms will likely weaken, but could still include gusty winds and hail in addition to heavy downpours.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 low-risk severe weather warning for much of the U.S. state line Thursday night, with the likelihood increasing the farther north and west you go.
While there may still be a few showers through Friday afternoon, the work week is expected to end on a dry note. However, it seems more likely that it will remain mostly cloudy for most of the day, if not all.
On Friday evening the skies will clear up, paving the way for what promises to be a perfect Labor Day weekend.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be mostly sunny. Highs will reach 28°C on Saturday, 25°C on Sunday and 24°C on Labor Day.
The next chance of rain is unlikely until next weekend at the earliest.
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