Warm start to the week, rain chances increase Tuesday!

Current Conditions: Good evening everyone.  We started this week on a very warm note with temperatures in the low to mid-80s.  This is due to winds being out of the south the past couple of days.  Currently a surface low is located over western Wisconsin with a cold front stretching from Minnesota down into Texas.  This will begin to push into our area early Wednesday morning.  Surface high pressure is centered over western North Carolina which explains the mostly clear conditions we have seen the past couple of days.  For the rest of tonight expect winds out of the south at 5 mph under mostly clear skies.

Forecast Discussion: Looking at tomorrow, the surface low located over Wisconsin will continue to push off to the Northeast causing our winds to remain from the south.  As the cold front continues to push our way, a small rain chance exists for tomorrow and increases tomorrow night.   Looking at Wednesday, the low continues to track to the northeast bringing most of the rain into the area by 7:00am according to the latest model data.  Be prepared for rain as you head off to work and school Wednesday morning.  The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather on Wednesday.  We will keep our eye on this as the system approaches.  Rain chances will remain in our area through Thursday as the system slowly moves out.  Cooler temperatures will move in behind the front with highs in the 60s by Thursday.

Surface Map valid for 1:00pm (CDT) on Tuesday, May 13.

Days at a Glance: 

Tonight:  Expect a low of 67 before midnight with winds out of the south at 5mph under clear skies.  No chance of precipitation. 

Tuesday:  Low of 64 and a high of 84 under partly cloudy skies becoming mostly cloudy.  Winds will be south at 5-10mph.  A slight chance of showers is possible ahead of an approaching front with the greatest chance being after 5pm.  Would not rule out a thunderstorm or two.  Chance of rain is 30%.
    
Wednesday: Low of 58 and a high of 71 under mostly cloudy skies.  Winds will be from the NW at 5-10 becoming SW at 5 mph.  As the front moves through Wednesday, rain and thunderstorms will be likely throughout the day.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.     

Forecaster:  Tyler Binkley