Precipitation has been scarce across the Midwest. In terms of rainfall, September has been a month of extremes. In Chicago, the .02 inches of rain that fell on the Sept. 13 came at the end of an 8-day stretch of rainy days. In the two weeks since, no rain has been observed, and parts of the metro area remain in moderate drought. The current dry cycle will end late Sunday/Sunday night as the area transitions into a cool weather pattern. Forecasts suggest a half inch of rain may fall from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday. Sporadic showers are likely through midweek as cold air aloft, associated with a high amplitude dip in the jet stream, makes the air unstable during daytime warming. Rain amounts from these brief showers are expected to be scant. The chilly temps, clouds and wind will be in sharp contrast to this weekend.