Warmth With Showers & Storms - Latest Thoughts On Weekend Forecast

Good evening. Sorry I haven't posted a blog in a while. Today was my last day of high school, with my college courses starting on August 19th, as I begin my journey to *hopefully* become a meteorologist with a geoscience degree 4 years from right now. 

Over the past week, we have seen much of the country burst into a more typical weather pattern we would expect for this time of the year, (finally) with a HUGE increase
in severe weather numbers, after a unusual spring of very, very little in the way of severe weather. More severe weather expected over the next several days in the Plains, with a very busy weekend ahead. I'm sure plenty of storm chasers even here locally will probably try to travel out there this weekend. Take a look at the severe weather outlooks for this weekend per the SPC:

Now let's focus on our weather. First off today was actually a pretty nice day - until thunderstorms arrived. Some areas saw them hit earlier than others, and right now most of the thunderstorm activity continues across the northern half of the state. This activity gradually diminishes after sunset, but the chance for a few storms around still exists at anytime overnight, albeit a lower chance. Bottom line -- the radar will be your friend this evening. 

Saturday will be another repeat of the weather over the past couple of days. Warm, humid highs near 80, mixed clouds and sun with scattered pop-up storms mainly in the afternoon. Don't cancel outdoor plans, but have a backup plan. Areas that do see a storm could see torrential downpours, lightning, and gusty winds. Severe weather is pretty unlikely. 

Sunday looks basically DRY. A weak ridge will begin to build into the region, allowing confidence for a drier forecast. With a warm and humid air mass, can't completely rule out a stray storm, but count on a good deal of sunshine and warm to hot weather. Highs in the middle 80's likely.

It looks like we start the work week next week on a H-O-T note. The ridge will still help the atmosphere to stay capped for most of the area, with the only exception being some areas in northwest Indiana. Highs could approach the upper 80's, with 90 not out of the question for Monday. If you have already opened up your swimming pool, you are in luck!

Shower and storm chances really go up after that, with an emphasis on Tuesday and Wednesday. There could be some heavy rain totals. Late next week looks to trend drier, and right now, it looks like Memorial Weekend and Indy 500 coming up could be dry with pleasant temps. Let's hope this forecast keeps up. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog. Have a great evening.