Overnight storms caused flooding in parts of the Sauk Valley. One of our viewers, Kristin Walrath submitted a photograph showing just that in a residential area in Rock Falls this morning. Our weather station at Distinctive Gardens in Dixon estimated rainfall rates in excess of 4″ per hour at times showing that the storms that affected the Sauk Valley area were very efficient heavy rain producers while the storm was underway. A volunteer at CoCoRaHS submitted 2.51″ of rain that fell within the last 24 hours on the north side of Dixon (this is unofficial data).
The Heat Advisory remains in effect until July 21st (Friday) at 8PM. Heat index values up to 105 may be possible as we remain with high dewpoints in the mid 70s along with temperatures remaining in the lower 90s. However, this may need to be extended through Saturday as models have been indicating 90 degree weather along with high dewpoints suggesting heat index values reaching near 105 as well. Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks if outdoors.
Today will favor another hot and humid day with highs around 92 degrees along with partly sunny skies by this afternoon. A few chances for showers and thunderstorms will be remain possible through late afternoon, and then again in our late overnight hours.
Looking ahead for the next three days, two more hot and humid days remain likely, and again that heat index may be extended into Saturday. Thunderstorm chances will remain in our forecast until Saturday. Two more 90 degree days and we’ll break from higher temperatures Sunday and hopefully remain dry.
As mentioned, more storms will likely impact the area over the next couple of days. These storms may bring strong and possibly severe risks with them. Today we’ll remain under a marginal risk from the Storm Prediction Center as severe risks will remain limited and scattered. Risks involved in any strong thunderstorms will be gusty winds. Friday a slight risk is in effect for the area (See Day SPC Day 2) for more active weather that may bring risks for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and possibly small hail.
One final thought, it is our typical flash flood/flooding season, remember to TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. During severe weather, if you ever have any reports of hail, wind damage, or other weather related situation; you can report that to us and we will relay your information to the NWS if you are unsure on how to report severe weather to them. Remember, safety first though. Never go outside during a thunderstorm, or put yourself in danger trying to obtain a report. Your information is valuable, but your life is more important. Your reports are always important, and we value them just as the NWS does. Below is the and example for submitting a severe weather report:
Include Time: 5:20AM
Include Location: 2318N Lincoln St. Arlington, Illinois
What’s Happening: Hail
– What Size: Quarter (do not use marbles)
Any damage: Minor damage to cars
Again never put yourself at risk. We’ll always relay a report to the NWS if it is within severe weather standards according to the NWS. We will never take a report and keep it to ourselves, as our mission here is to continue to make the Sauk Valley area weather ready.
