Mark Henderson

Rockford

Chief Meteorologist at WIFR-TV (Rockford, IL)

Chief Meteorologist @23WIFR, @ValpoU Grad, Weather Weenie, Sports Enthusiast, Foodie. Opinions expressed here are my own, not those of WIFR nor its employees.

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Articles

Warmth to remain, though pattern to turn more active

3 days ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The Stateline saw its warmest temperatures of 2025 to date Monday, and the warmth is far from finished. However, in contrast to the quiet trend that’s been prevalent for the past week, our pattern’s to take a turn for the more unsettled in the coming days.
Frost likely overnight, but warming follows immediately

1 week ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Chillier temperatures have returned to the Stateline, and those planning on heading outdoors through early Friday morning will want to reach for the jacket before doing so. Clear skies and lighter winds Thursday night will allow temperatures to fall very quickly overnight, and by early Friday morning, temperatures are likely to have fallen into the middle 30s. With such temperatures, it’s possible frost may form in many spots.
Delightful pattern to continue over next several days

1 week ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - For the first time in a week, temperatures returned to the 70s across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and we can rest assured that we will not be waiting another week for our next day in the 70!Bright sunshine is expected to dominate for a second straight day Wednesday as temperatures surge into the middle 70s by midday. Watch out, however, for a wind shift to take place in the afternoon, which will result in a rather precipitous drop in temperatures.
Dramatic improvements to take place this week

1 week ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - May has gotten off to a somewhat cool and unsettled start, but the light at the end of the tunnel is shining very brightly as a new week begins. A nearly stationary upper level low pressure system, responsible for the persistent cloudiness, occasional showers, and cooler than normal temperatures is now beginning a slow exit eastward. As that began late Monday afternoon and early Monday evening, our skies have been turning brighter in rapid fashion.
Pattern to remain unsettled through early next week

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Temperatures in the Stateline have been heading in the wrong direction as the week has gone on. From Monday’s 80s to Tuesday’s 70s and then Wednesday’s 60s, the downward spiral continued Thursday, with highs reaching only the middle 50s. Unfortunately, as a trough of upper level low pressure remains nearly cemented overhead for the next several days, we may be stuck in a chilly, unsettled rut for several more days.
Workweek to end on a wet note

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Compared to the first two days of the workweek, Wednesday had a much more gloomy feel to it. Coming off of Monday and Tuesday’s sun-splashed skies and unseasonable warmth, clouds returned in earnest, sending temperatures back much closer to late April levels. While most of the area has remained dry through early Wednesday evening, chances for rain are to grow considerably in the hours ahead.
Wet weather to return to the Stateline Wednesday

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Monday’s 80s are a thing of the past as cooler, yet seasonable conditions have returned to the Stateline. Despite the significant drop in temperatures Tuesday, the pattern continues to be extremely quiet. That, however, is due to change in the very near future. After a clear sky takes us through Tuesday evening, clouds will begin to fill in overnight into early Wednesday morning as our next weather system takes aim on the region.
Gorgeous stretch to continue Thursday

3 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - In the first three weeks of April, the Stateline saw a total of just two days to see a high temperature of 70° or above. But, our fortunes have, at long last, changed, with each of the past two days logging highs in the 70s, and all signs point to a third straight warm day Thursday. A good amount of sunshine is to be featured Thursday, only occasionally interrupted by a scattering of fair weather clouds. High temperatures are to surge to 78° by day’s end.
Warmth to remain, though storm chances persist

3 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - For just the third time this month, temperatures in the Stateline made their way into the 70s, and the warmth is poised to stick around for at least the next two days. However, the pattern may be occasionally active, as widely scattered storms are set to accompany the warmer, slightly more humid air. Storms managed to fire rather quickly Tuesday evening, especially south of Rockford.
Warmer, more active pattern begins Tuesday

3 weeks ago | wifr.com | Mark Henderson

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The Stateline had an opportunity to dry out in the wake of a soggy Easter Sunday, but the quiet times aren’t here to stay. After a period of clearing Monday evening, the first of several disturbances will make its way into or at least near the Stateline Tuesday morning. It could bring a few showers and storms our way Tuesday morning, with a few more hit or miss showers and storms returning to the forecast later in the day.