Iowa Weather Report July 2nd 2015: Rockets Red Glare

THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND: The rest of the week will feature some slim chances of showers and thunderstorms mainly over the far western and southern counties of the state. We can’t rule out any rogue showers elsewhere though, but the chances will be very slim there. Highs today will be in the 70s for the most part with readings being a degree or two warmer on Friday as there will be more sunshine throughout the state on Friday. Lows tonight will not feel like the early days of July with 50s and lower 60s. Some upper 50s to middle 60s will be likely Friday night. The weekend will feature mostly sunny skies with readings in the upper 70s through the 80s across the state. It will be less humid on the fourth (Saturday) then we’ll see on Sunday, but nevertheless a great day to be outdoors. Sunday, we will see an increase in cloudiness with a system approaching from the west. This may bring some chances of showers and thunderstorms in our far western counties by late in the afternoon, but most of the precipitation should hold off until evening. This will continue into the new work week as well on Monday.

LOOKING NEXT WEEK: The one system mentioned earlier looks to depart early on Tuesday leaving most of that day dry for the entire state. Wednesday will be dry as well with readings fairly close to seasonal levels in the lower and middle 80s. Another system looks to move in for the end of the week that could bring more showers and thunderstorms to the state. Models are indicating at this point that some of the rainfall with that system could be heavy, but we’ll hold out on actual amounts until we get a little more clarity.

EVEN FARTHER OUT: Looking toward next weekend and beyond, the weather pattern returns to a northwesterly flow with a trough over the Great Lakes and a ridge over the west. This would tend to keep temperatures below seasonal levels and bring some systems through every couple of days as is the case with this model run. We’ve seen this pattern in the extended period and currently for some time and don’t see any signs of it changing anytime soon.