The broad-scale weather pattern over the midwest through the next few days will be dominated by an upper-level ridge building into the western US. High pressure will build into the midwest as a current low pressure system exits to the east over the Great Lakes. This will keep temperatures cool through mid-week before things return to about seasonal levels Thursday and Friday. A good thunderstorm chance exists Thursday and Friday as the ridge breaks down and a strong shortwave moves into the area. Moisture will be plentiful, so a good soaker can be expected from this. The ridge is back by the weekend, effectively drying things out.

TODAY: Sunny. Upper 60s to low 70s northeast, mid-to-upper 70s southwest. Windy. Southeast winds at 15-20 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH.

TONIGHT: Clear. Low-to-mid 40s north, upper 40s to low 50s south. Southeast winds at 5-10 MPH.

TOMORROW: Sunny. Upper 60s to low 70s northeast, mid-to-upper 70s southeast. South-to-southeast winds at 10-15 MPH with gusts to 20 MPH.

TOMORROW NIGHT: Clear. Upper 40s to low 50s. Southeast winds under 5 MPH.

Enjoy your Monday. Hopefully you’re not too heartbroken from the kids going back to school today.