When Will It Rain? How Much?

7 AM Surface Map

A slow moving surface low and trailing cold front will continue to more east east today. In advance of the front a gusty south wind will increase the moisture in the atmosphere. Temperatures today will be similar to yesterday but will feel more uncomfortable. Dew points yesterday were in the 40s...today in the 50s. The higher the dew point...the more moisture in the atmosphere therefore harder for the body to cool itself.

9:01 AM Satellite

This morning, from eastern Iowa...east and north, the sky was clear. The clouds to the west are in advance of the above mentioned cold front. During the heating of the day this afternoon there may be an isolated shower or two to pop up.

500 mb & Water Vapor Satellite

The upper level low and trof in the northern Rockies will continue to slowly move east. The reason why the low is moving slowly is due to the ridge of high pressure in the eastern part of the United States. The timing for the surface front and upper level low to be in the Midwest is Wednesday. This is when we will have our best chance of showers and thunderstorms. Now the question is how much rain will we get?

QPF Rainfall Forecast
7AM Wed-7AM Thu

If this forecast holds true, a beneficial .50" to 1.00" of rain will fall from the clouds as this system moves through the region. Behind the front the temperatures will cool down to near 70 degrees for highs through the weekend.