The heat is on! Drought concerns grow

QUAD CITIES, Iowa/Ill. (KWQC) -- A calm and pleasant weather pattern continues as we head into the later half of the weekend. Clear skies and mild temperatures will continue through Sunday.

As we look to the start of the work week, we will begin to ramp up the temperatures. A summer-like weather pattern will be in place with dry weather and very warm, and even hot temperatures. Some uncertainty is beginning to grow on a late week pattern shift. As of Saturday evening, new models are trying to push more seasonal air into our weather picture come Thursday and Friday.

Additionally, we are monitoring the potential for much of the TV6 viewing area to enter into what is known as a “rapid onset drought.” The Climate Prediction Center has outlined areas along and south of the Highway 30 corridor in their 8-14 day hazards outlook noting an increase in probability of this “rapid onset drought.” This experimental variable uses initial conditions, such as antecedent dryness, and skillful temperature and precipitation outlooks during the next two weeks to communicate the risk of rapidly-developing drought. Unfortunately, very little precipitation is expected in the next 7 days.

TONIGHT: Mostly clear skies. Low: 53°. Wind: N 5 mph.

SUNDAY: Warm sunshine and pleasant temperatures. High: 80°.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny, warm. High: 82º

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