Summary/Highlights:

The first full week in April will be very warm for many across the central United States. After what was a gorgeous weekend of temperatures in the 70s here in Chicagoland, the trend will continue, though noticeably wetter and more humid. Monday will feature warm temperatures and mainly dry conditions, though a chance exists for an early thunderstorm or two. Tuesday should be more of the same, with a chance for a few showers during the early morning hours and again late in the evening, By Wednesday, the air will start to become more humid as even warmer temperatures push into the area. I would not be surprised if most of Chicagoland sees 80 degree temperatures for the first time in 2021 on Wednesday, though it depends on a few factors. A cold front will pass through the area during Wednesday afternoon and evening, which will provide a chance for thunderstorms. It is unlikely that any of these thunderstorms will become severe, as that threat should remain well to our southwest. Thursday and Friday will both feature cooler temperatures, cloudy skies, and chances for occasional showers throughout the day. By the time we approach Saturday, we may be able to see some sun, however there is another possibility for some rain. Late in the weekend, expect temperatures to start climbing again along with much drier conditions. 

Daily Forecast:

Monday 4/5: A morning thunderstorm or two, otherwise partly to mostly cloudy skies for most of the day. Mild temperatures expected, and humidity should be noticeable, though not too uncomfortable. High temperature of 74° with a low temperature of 55°.

Tuesday 4/6: Continued warm but slightly more humid conditions likely. Mostly cloudy skies will be likely with the chance for some light rain showers during both the morning and late evening hours. High temperature of 75° with a low temperature of 57°.

Wednesday 4/7: Very mild temperatures with increased humidity which may feel slightly uncomfortable at times, though nothing compared to humidity during the summer. Partly cloudy skies are likely in the morning until increasing clouds during the afternoon bring a chance for showers and thunderstorms by evening. The severe threat is very low with this activity. However, a strong storm cannot be ruled out. High temperature of 78° with a low temperature of 57°.

Thursday 4/8: A period of steady light rain is likely during the morning hours, with a spottier shower threat continuing into the afternoon and potentially evening. Temperatures will be cooler in the low to possibly middle 60s. High temperature of 64° with a low temperature of 49°.

Friday 4/9: Continued cloudy conditions likely with the chance for some scattered showers throughout the day. High temperature of 62° with a low temperature of 45°.

Saturday 4/10: Partly cloudy skies will be likely for at least part of the day, though weather models disagree on the timing of any precipitation during the day. With much cooler conditions expected, thunderstorm activity is unlikely. High temperature of 50° with a low temperature of 42°.

Sunday 4/11: Partly to mostly cloudy skies throughout the day are expected with temperatures rising above average once again. High temperature of 60° with a low temperature of 45°.

National Weather Headlines:

Several daily high temperature records are likely to or expected to be broken over the Northern Plains during the beginning part of the week as very warm temperatures overspread much of the Midwest and Plains states. Additionally, warm temperatures and dry conditions for some areas could lead to increased fire danger at times,

The Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) new 8 to 14 day outlook is forecasting continued above normal temperatures for much of the United States over the coming week. Additionally, above normal precipitation is expected across much of the central and southern Plains, while a strong signal exists for drier than average conditions across most of the Midwest.