Final Weekend of July Brings Storms to Illinois, Then Rising Heat

We're gearing up for what could be another stormy weekend in the Stateline area, with storms producing gusty winds and heavy downpours to wrap up July.

Thunderstorms are Likely Most of This Weekend

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the Rockford region and Chicagoland are expected to experience showers and thunderstorms for most of Friday (7/25) and Saturday (7/26), with a chance of localized flooding.

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There's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Friday, mostly before 8 am, with highs expected in the mid-80s. However, there is a better chance of storms on Friday night, according to the NWS.

Lingering showers are possible early on Sunday (7/27), with about a 20 percent chance of rain; otherwise, mostly sunny and in the upper 80s.

Flooding, Gusty Winds Remain Key Concerns

With multiple rounds of storms in the weekend forecast, the National Weather Service says there's a threat of minor flooding in areas where there's poor drainage and the ground is saturated.

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Some storms could also produce brief damaging winds and small hail, according to the NWS. So if you're traveling this weekend, be prepared for the weather conditions to change rapidly, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.

Heat Dome Returns to Close Out July

Is it just me, or are you hearing 'corn sweat' and 'heat dome' more than you ever have this season? I lived nearly 50 years without ever learning anything about sweating corn, but here we are.

According to the forecast from the Weather Channel, following the storms and rain over the weekend, another dome of heat will settle in over the Rockford region, but there's relief to follow.

Forecasters are predicting the heat dome will push back into the Midwest by Monday (7/28), when highs in Rockford are expected to hit the lower 90s, with close to triple-digit heat index values possible.

A cool down is coming early August, with extended forecasts from the Weather Channel showing highs in the mid-70s, feeling good beginning July 30 and continuing into the first few days of next month.