As a slow-moving low pressure system moves through northern and central Illinois today and Tuesday, Northeast Illinois is in store for an extended period of clouds, showers and thunderstorms. Highs will run some 8 to 10 degrees below normal. While torrential rains such as the 2.54 inches observed in Mason City, Iowa, on Saturday and the 1-inch hail that covered the ground 4 inches deep in Danbury (northwest Iowa) Sunday afternoon associated with this same weather system will probably not be observed, two-day rainfall totals in excess of an inch may be commonplace over the metro area, and the extensive column of cold air aloft could produce half-to-1-inch hail in spots.
Heavy rains triggered by the weakening Tropical Storm John continued to deluge central Baja California and northwestern Mexico Sunday with attendant moisture streaming north, prompting flash flood watches for the mountains and deserts of southern California today.
--Paul Dailey, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
