Monday's thunderstorms hit in several waves. Downpours in pre-dawn
storms totaled more than 2 inches (heaviest at DeKalb, 2.20 inches and
Dixon 2.05 inches), prompting flood warnings in the west and northwest
suburbs.
Afternoon storms hit hardest in northern counties and areas of southern Wisconsin. The strongest storms developed in southeast Wisconsin towering to heights of 45,000 feet. Ping-Pong-ball size hail struck near Mukwonago and high winds toppled trees. Several funnel clouds were sighted in the area. Blinding downpours also accompanied the Wisconsin storms, with nearly an inch of rain flooding streets in the Janesville area.
The storms formed on the heels of the area's most humid air mass since last September. Dew points, a measure of atmospheric moisture approached 70, readings typical along the Gulf coast.
Cooler weather will dominate the rest of the week, with another round of rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Warmer weather will return by the weekend, with highs returning to around 80 degrees.
Afternoon storms hit hardest in northern counties and areas of southern Wisconsin. The strongest storms developed in southeast Wisconsin towering to heights of 45,000 feet. Ping-Pong-ball size hail struck near Mukwonago and high winds toppled trees. Several funnel clouds were sighted in the area. Blinding downpours also accompanied the Wisconsin storms, with nearly an inch of rain flooding streets in the Janesville area.
The storms formed on the heels of the area's most humid air mass since last September. Dew points, a measure of atmospheric moisture approached 70, readings typical along the Gulf coast.
Cooler weather will dominate the rest of the week, with another round of rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Warmer weather will return by the weekend, with highs returning to around 80 degrees.
