FIRST ALERT: Freeze warning in effect overnight, severe threat being monitored Friday through Sunday

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - After basking in 70°+ temperatures Tuesday, the Stateline saw some free air conditioning Wednesday thanks to Lake Michigan.

Winds off of those chilly waters kept temperatures in the 50s, despite there being sunshine present from start to finish. Those winds are in the process of diminishing this evening, which combined with clear skies and dry air will allow temperatures to plummet. Most, if not all Stateline communities will drop below freezing overnight, which has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Freeze Warning for the entire area through 8:00 Thursday morning.

A Freeze Warning has been issued for the entire Stateline tonight into early Thursday morning. — A Freeze Warning has been issued for the entire Stateline tonight into early Thursday morning.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Thankfully, this will be the last time we discuss a frost or a freeze for quite some time, as signs point toward an extended period of above normal temperatures taking us well into May.

This will be the last frost we see for quite some time. — This will be the last frost we see for quite some time.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Warmer than normal temperatures are likely for the better part of the next week and a half to... — Warmer than normal temperatures are likely for the better part of the next week and a half to two weeks.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Warmer than normal temperatures are likely for the better part of the next week and a half to... — Warmer than normal temperatures are likely for the better part of the next week and a half to two weeks.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Unfortunately, with the warmer pattern expected to develop will come increasing chances for rainfall, which could include a few rounds of severe thunderstorms starting on Friday and taking us through the weekend. The first round of storms will become likely Friday afternoon and evening. While the severe threat isn’t overly high with these initial storms, they could be capable of producing hail and heavy rainfall.

Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe... — Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe weather possible and heavy rainfall likely.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

The Stateline is under a Level 1, Marginal Risk for severe weather Friday, especially in the... — The Stateline is under a Level 1, Marginal Risk for severe weather Friday, especially in the evening and overnight hours.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Dry hours are likely for a good part of Saturday, and we’ll warm into the upper 70s to right around 80° as a result. However, that will prime the atmosphere for new storms to enter either very late in the day or at night. Having much more energy with which to work, these storms will have the capability of producing large hail, damaging winds, and even a few tornadoes.

Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe... — Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe weather possible and heavy rainfall likely.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe... — Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe weather possible and heavy rainfall likely.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

The westernmost portions of the Stateline are those most at risk for severe weather Saturday. — The westernmost portions of the Stateline are those most at risk for severe weather Saturday.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

The atmosphere will recover rather quickly Sunday, and temperatures will warm back into the upper 70s, which will once again prime the atmosphere for more storms in the latter stages of the day. Once again, storms will be developing in a very favorable environment, meaning large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are again in play.

Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe... — Numerous waves of showers and thunderstorms are likely from Friday through Sunday, with severe weather possible and heavy rainfall likely.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

The entire Stateline finds itself in a Level 2, Slight Risk for severe weather Sunday. — The entire Stateline finds itself in a Level 2, Slight Risk for severe weather Sunday.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Collectively, between Friday and Sunday, the Stateline could potentially be in line to receive well in excess of two inches of rainfall.

Well over two inches of rainfall is possible in the Friday through Sunday time period. — Well over two inches of rainfall is possible in the Friday through Sunday time period.(Mark Henderson, WIFR)

Showers should move out rather quickly Monday, and quieter weather is expected for several days to follow.

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