Springfield, Illinois – Occasional thunderstorms are set to disrupt weekend plans across central Illinois, with heavy rain and damaging winds possible Saturday and Sunday before a dangerous heat wave arrives midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, storms could bring locally severe winds and rainfall through Monday, raising the risk for flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas, especially where rain bands linger. Thunderstorm chances are highest Saturday (60-70%) and Sunday (up to 60% at night), with heat index values between 95 and 105 in cities including Springfield, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
Motorists should watch for ponding water on highways like I-55 and U.S. 36. Power outages are possible in storm-affected areas, and anyone outdoors should seek shelter during severe weather. If flooding occurs, turn around—don’t drown. Keep phones charged and consider alternate cooling options if power is disrupted, as overnight lows will stay muggy in the 70s.
Storms taper off by Tuesday, but heat will intensify by Wednesday, with the heat index soaring above 105. This stretch marks the hottest period so far this summer for much of Illinois, similar to last July’s heat wave.
Stay tuned for updates—excessive heat warnings or new storm alerts may follow as conditions develop.
Five-Day Forecast for Central Illinois
- Saturday: Thunderstorms likely, possibly severe. High 86-89°F. Heat index 95-100.
- Sunday: Thunderstorms likely. High 83-92°F. Heat index 90-105.
- Monday: Chance of thunderstorms. High 83-88°F. Heat index 90-95.
- Tuesday: Slight chance of thunderstorms. High 87-93°F. Heat index 98-108.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, hot. High 91-97°F. Heat index 104-112.
Nights:
- Saturday: 70-76°F, chance of storms
- Sunday: 67-74°F, storms likely
- Monday: 67-73°F, slight chance of storms
- Tuesday: 71-77°F, mostly clear
- Wednesday: 73-78°F, mostly clear
