Whitney Williams
Meteorologist
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Meteorologist Whitney Williams is a member of the WGEM StormTrak Weather team.
Whitney grew up in Illinois and learned to love the weather at a young age. From the time she was in junior high school all the way into college, she knew meteorology was her dream job.
Prior to coming to WGEM, Whitney worked as a meteorologist at WLBT-TV in Jackson, MS. She also spent time at WCBI in Columbus, MS.
Whitney attended Mississippi State University and earned her meteorology degree there. At Mississippi State, she participated in the WxChallenge which is the North American collegiate weather forecasting competition. She was ranked in the top twenty percent in the country each year she participated.
Updated: 4 hours ago
|By Whitney Williams
This morning we are starting off with low-level stratus clouds. Temperatures are very cold, in the single digits to teens.
Updated: Jan. 26, 2023 at 10:55 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Winds are coming from the west/northwest and they are fairly breezy. Sustained winds range from about 12 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph. These winds carry our body heat away from us causing it to feel colder.
Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 at 12:36 PM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert: The National Weather Service has canceled many winter weather advisories early. However, Schuyler and Scott County in Illinois continue to have a winter weather advisory until 6 PM this evening. Unless it is canceled early as well, which I do expect.
Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 at 11:15 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert: Winter weather advisories have been issued for everyone in the Tri-States. These advisories will go into effect tonight and run through tomorrow evening. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions look to impact tomorrow morning’s commute.
Updated: Jan. 23, 2023 at 11:27 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Low-level stratus clouds have been blanketing the area so far today. As we head into the late afternoon/early evening hours, some of the clouds will start to break apart. Our primary focus remains on tomorrow night into Wednesday when our next weather system will be arriving.
Updated: Jan. 20, 2023 at 12:06 PM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Our next weather system will arrive tomorrow into Sunday morning. Overall, tomorrow will shape up as a mostly cloudy day as well. Forecast models are in good agreement that the morning and afternoon will remain dry.
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023 at 11:37 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert! A dense fog advisory has been issued for Schuyler and Scott County in Illinois through 9 AM. Visibilities less than one half mile are being reported. If driving, slow down, use your headlights so that others can see you better, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.
Updated: Jan. 18, 2023 at 11:07 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A low pressure system is currently situated near the panhandle of Texas. Ahead of this low, widespread precipitation has developed in the Midwest in the form of snow and rain.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023 at 11:21 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Our next weather system will continue to develop over the southwest U.S. today and will head our way tomorrow. This system will have plenty of moisture to work with as it passes through the region. A wide swath of precipitation will develop along and north of the low pressure system. The timing of when the precipitation will start depends on where you live in the Tri-States.
Updated: Jan. 16, 2023 at 11:03 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
There will be an additional chance of some spotty showers and even a few rumbles of thunder through the afternoon into the early evening hours as a cold front moves through.
Updated: Jan. 12, 2023 at 10:57 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
hat a difference a day makes! Yesterday we enjoyed highs in the low 50s. Then today, we have cloudy skies, much colder temperatures and windy conditions. Our official daytime high of 40° occurred just after midnight. Since then, temperatures have fallen into the 30s.
Updated: Jan. 11, 2023 at 12:08 PM CST
|By Whitney Williams
So far today we have had some nice sunshine, but through the rest of the afternoon and evening we will have gradually increasing clouds. Those that get more sunshine will see warmer daytime highs. Highs will still be well above normal for everyone though, in the low to mid 50s.
Updated: Jan. 10, 2023 at 11:38 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
With high pressure still nearby today, be sure to have your sunglasses handy. Some upper-level thin clouds have started to drift overhead and they will continue to do so as we go through the rest of the afternoon and evening. Nonetheless, we will still have plenty of sunshine to enjoy through the day today. With the “warmer” start to the day (morning temperatures were in the 30s instead of the 20s) and some sunshine, daytime highs will be getting a little warmer than yesterday.
Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 at 10:49 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
We are starting off very chilly this morning with temperatures in the 20s. Because those temperatures are below freezing, any snow that melted yesterday refroze overnight. So there could be a few slick spots out there this morning. Also to note, we have some patchy fog. This fog could also lead to a few slick spots especially on bridges and overpasses due to condensation and below freezing temperatures.
Updated: Jan. 6, 2023 at 11:26 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Cold temperatures, clearing skies and light winds allowed for frost to form overnight. Therefore, you may want to give yourself a few extra minutes this morning to pre-start your car or to scrape the ice off.
Updated: Jan. 5, 2023 at 6:05 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The slow moving low pressure system to our north that impacted our forecast yesterday will continue to do so today.
Updated: Jan. 4, 2023 at 5:45 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
After a record high yesterday, today will be much colder due to a cold front that has moved through. This morning is about 22 degrees colder, so the heavier jackets will be needed.
Updated: Jan. 3, 2023 at 6:24 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A cold front will move through this afternoon. Before that front arrives, we will be getting unseasonably warm.
Updated: Jan. 2, 2023 at 5:21 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert: The Dense Fog Advisory has been extended to run until 6 PM for everyone in the Tri-States. Visibilities have dropped to one quarter mile or less.
Updated: Dec. 30, 2022 at 5:39 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A cold front moved through the Tri-States around midnight this Friday morning. At midnight, our temperature was 50° and that was our high for the day.
Updated: Dec. 29, 2022 at 6:11 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Due to the warm start to the day, some thin upper-level clouds and the gusty southerly winds today will be much warmer.
Updated: Dec. 28, 2022 at 6:12 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Winds will be getting pretty breezy. Sustained wind speeds of 15 to 20 mph are expected with wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph. These winds will be out of the south though, so that will lead to some nice warm air advection (warmer air being transported into the area). That means we will have warmer daytime highs.
Updated: Dec. 16, 2022 at 5:42 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The potent, slow moving low pressure system that has been impacting our forecast over the past several days will continue to impact our forecast today and tomorrow as well. This low continues to spread clouds over the area from the north/northwest. It also continues to usher in colder air.
Updated: Dec. 15, 2022 at 5:46 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A cold front came through the region yesterday, ushering in colder air. Temperatures will not fluctuate too much through the day due to continued cold air spilling in and low stratus clouds in place.
Updated: Dec. 14, 2022 at 5:43 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The occluded low pressure system that brought us the widespread rain showers yesterday has not moved too much in the last 24 hours. It is still located to our west, over Nebraska/South Dakota. This low will continue to very gradually slide northeastward through the day. As it does, a cold front is making its way through the Tri-States.
Updated: Dec. 13, 2022 at 5:44 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A wind advisory is in effect for Lee County in Iowa and Hancock and McDonough County in Illinois through 9 PM. Sustained southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Be sure to secure outdoor holiday decorations. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. However, everyone will have a windy day.
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022 at 5:32 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
During the day tomorrow, a trough will be strengthening to our west and a low pressure system will be developing. These two features will be the main forecast influencers for the day as they will lead to widespread rain showers and windy conditions.
Updated: Dec. 9, 2022 at 6:25 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
So you will not have to worry about battling the rain, but we have some patchy fog. While visibilities have been on the lower side, they have not been low enough for any advisories. Also to note, visibilities have already started to improve.
Updated: Dec. 8, 2022 at 5:33 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
We are dealing with fog this morning throughout the Tri-States. Visibilities due to the fog have improved slightly, but the foggy conditions will continue through the morning hours.
Updated: Dec. 7, 2022 at 6:07 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert: A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for the northern tier of the Tri-States. This advisory runs through 10 AM. Visibility of one quarter mile or less will be possible. Hazardous driving conditions will be possible due to low visibility and slick spots where temperatures are below freezing. Freezing fog can cause slippery roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Updated: Dec. 6, 2022 at 6:03 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Overall, today will shape up cloudy and a little cooler. A low pressure system will pass nearby today and it may develop a *few* very light spotty rain showers or drizzle later this afternoon and evening. However, this rain chance would not be for everyone.
Updated: Dec. 5, 2022 at 5:46 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Through the day, we are expecting a dry and mild day, in spite of the fact that we will have more clouds.
Updated: Dec. 2, 2022 at 5:33 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Weather Alert: Everyone in the Tri-States will be under Wind Advisories today into tomorrow morning. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down.
Updated: Dec. 1, 2022 at 6:34 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A nearby high pressure system will start to move eastward today. This will cause our winds to switch around to the south. Wind speeds will increase through the morning and afternoon.
Updated: Nov. 30, 2022 at 5:35 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Through the day, high pressure will build into the region. That will lead to a day with abundant sunshine. However, the sunshine will not help to warm us up.
Updated: Nov. 29, 2022 at 5:57 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Our setup right now has a low pressure system and cold front to our west and an area of high pressure to our east. As the low pressure and high pressure systems have been getting closer together, our wind speeds have been increasing. Winds are coming out of the south at about 5 to 17 mph sustained. Wind gusts of 30 to 37 mph are expected though. These winds could blow away or knock down outdoor Christmas decorations, so you may want to make sure those are secure.
Updated: Nov. 28, 2022 at 7:02 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
With high pressure nearby today, we will have plentiful sunshine. Due to some light southerly winds and the sunny skies highs will be warmer today.
Updated: Nov. 23, 2022 at 6:36 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Some upper-level clouds off to our west will stream into the Tri-States through the morning and afternoon. It is important to note that these clouds are upper-level clouds because that tells us the clouds will be thin. Therefore, most of the day will be mostly sunny. A cold front will move through the area tomorrow though.
Updated: Nov. 22, 2022 at 6:12 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
After a chilly start to the day, another pleasant late November day is forecasted. Above normal temperatures for this time of year are expected.
Updated: Nov. 21, 2022 at 5:33 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
This morning/early afternoon, we could have a few wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph. Then through the rest of the day the winds will start to ease up.
Updated: Nov. 18, 2022 at 5:41 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Due to a cold front that came through yesterday, daytime highs will be drastically colder.
Updated: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:53 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
Daytime highs will be a little warmer as we will be in the mid to upper 30s, depending on where you live in the Tri-States. This little uptick in temperatures will be short-lived though as a weak cold front will slide through the area this afternoon/evening.
Updated: Nov. 16, 2022 at 5:39 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The northern tier is starting off with clouds, while the rest of the Tri-States will start off with a mix of sun and clouds. Through the morning though, stratus clouds will move back into the Tri-States giving all of us a cloudy sky. These clouds will keep us colder today.
Updated: Nov. 15, 2022 at 6:11 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The bulk of the snow has cleared the Tri-States. However, the chance of spotty light snow showers/flurries or even some sprinkles (as temperatures climb above freezing) will persist through the day.
Updated: Nov. 14, 2022 at 6:25 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
A Winer Weather Advisory will be in effect for Schuyler and Scott County in Illinois from midnight tonight through noon tomorrow. A Winter Weather Advisory will also be in effect for Adams, Brown, and Pike County in Illinois; and Knox, Lewis, Shelby, Marion, Monroe and Ralls County in Missouri from midnight tonight through 9 AM tomorrow.
Updated: Nov. 11, 2022 at 5:40 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The powerful cold front we have been talking about for several days has cleared the Tri-States. As winds switched around the northwest behind the front, cold air started filtering into the area quickly. Besides plummeting temperatures, the cold front also brought us some post frontal rain showers.
Updated: Nov. 10, 2022 at 7:30 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
We are currently waiting on a very potent cold front to arrive. This front is to our west right now. Before the front arrives temperatures will unseasonably warm again. Once the front arrives, it will impact us in several ways. In fact, we have a weather alert for tomorrow.
Updated: Nov. 9, 2022 at 6:00 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
With sunny skies and southerly winds daytime highs will be noticeably warmer. We will be about 20 to 25 degrees above normal for this time of year. In fact, we are expecting to break the record high.
Updated: Nov. 8, 2022 at 6:05 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
The day is starting off with mostly clear skies. However, through the day we will have increasing clouds
Updated: Nov. 7, 2022 at 6:03 AM CST
|By Whitney Williams
High pressure will be building into the area today so we will shape up mostly sunny. I am just expecting some thin, upper-level clouds to stream in throughout the day. With the clouds being thin though, the sun will still be able to get through them fairly easily. So the sunlight will just be a little filtered. Daytime highs will be a little cooler than yesterday, due to a dry cold front that moved through the region yesterday.