Another day in the 70s, but rain may play spoiler
Spectacular weather including a second consecutive 70-degree day greet Chicagoans Saturday. Critical steering winds aloft, responsible for guiding weather systems, are blowing from the northwest. This sends cooler air into the area above ground, a development that should make the area increasingly vulnerable to cloud formation, especially in the warmer hours of the day, and most noticeably Sunday. Several of the puffy cumulus clouds expected to decorate Saturday skies may build tall enough to generate a few spotty showers in the afternoon. But cooling aloft fosters even more cloud development Sunday and shower coverage may be more extensive. Temperatures topped out at 107 degrees Friday in Anaheim and Modesto, Calif. The northwest flow ensures the record-breaking triple-digit heat that grips much of the West Coast won't head this way anytime soon. But big changes loom in the current pattern that has lingered for more than a month, delivering cool temperatures and frequent rain. The new pattern signals warmer, more humid air next week and 2008's warmest temperatures to date.
RAINFALL FORECASTS NOT ENCOURAGING
A return to heavier rainfall is predicted over the next two weeks. As much as 2 to 4 inches may be on the way.
--Tom Skilling, Chief Meteorologist, WGN-TV/Chicago Tribune