Drought continues to plague much of the region as we just about close out the first full week of October. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be ongoing this morning before we see a break this afternoon and evening. Here’s a look at the current drought monitor for Illinois. Much of northern Illinois is in the abnormally dry category with northeast portions of the state in the moderate drought category.
There is some very good news in the rainfall department as a strong moisture feed from the Gulf of Mexico coupled with several disturbances moving along a frontal boundary will create widespread showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday afternoon and lasting through much of Friday. The Weather Prediction Center estimates that several towns in our local area could receive up to two inches or more of rainfall before the weekend.
The highest rain chances are centered on Wednesday morning with a break Wednesday afternoon and evening. Much of Thursday morning will likely be dry, too, before showers and storms move in on a more widespread basis for Thursday evening and all day Friday. Some heavy downpours are likely, however, no severe weather is expected. With all of the rain in the area temperatures will remain cool.
