The gradual cooling trend begins on Saturday

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The weeks of October aren’t going to be much better, weather-wise, than the week we just enjoyed.

We ended our sun-drenched work week on Friday with temperatures reaching the 80° mark. This was the 100th time in 2024 that temperatures reached 80° or above. In a normal year we see 88 days in the 80s or above.

Friday will certainly be the last 80° day we see for some time, and possibly for the rest of 2024, as cooler temperatures are expected starting this weekend.

A cold front is expected to move through the region overnight, shifting winds to the east and northeast. These easterly or northeasterly breezes will blow with plenty of momentum Saturday, keeping temperatures in the upper 60s to around 70 as clouds and sunshine battle for dominance over our airspace.

Clouds will mix with sunshine for most of Saturday, and a few showers are not out of the question.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Another front will fall Saturday night into early Sunday, bringing with it an intensifying shot of cooler air. On Sunday, a gusty breeze will blow from the northwest with a speed of up to 35 miles per hour, causing temperatures to drop further. Highs are expected to reach 64° on Sunday, which will be the coolest reading of the month so far, but will prove to be about normal for this time of year.

A mix of sun and clouds can be expected on Sunday, although it will be significantly cooler if the weather is windy... — A mix of sun and clouds is expected on Sunday, although windy conditions will bring much cooler air towards us.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

But the real cold comes on Monday and stays until Tuesday. Northerly winds will be blowing each day and although there will be a fair amount of sunshine, temperatures will not rise above the mid 50s C highs on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

The sun returns on Monday, although significantly cooler temperatures are expected thanks to gusty winds. — The sun returns on Monday, although significantly cooler temperatures are expected due to gusty northerly breezes.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

At night, when skies are likely to be clear, temperatures will drop. Low temperatures are expected to be near freezing on Monday night and below freezing on Tuesday night, so frost is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning, and a hard frost is not out of the question Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Frost is expected Monday night, while a hard frost is possible, if not likely, Tuesday night.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

What is not included in the forecast is any significant rainfall. Our drought situation, which is currently rapidly deteriorating, will only get worse. Since September 1, only 45% of normal precipitation has fallen at the Stateline, and conditions are likely to remain bone dry for at least the next week to a week and a half.

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