Lincoln, IL – A prolonged stretch of hot and humid weather will continue across central Illinois through at least Saturday, with heat index values approaching 100 degrees each afternoon before thunderstorm chances increase later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, afternoon temperatures will generally reach 90 to 94 degrees through Thursday before easing slightly into the upper 80s and lower 90s Friday. Combined with high humidity, however, it will feel much hotter, with heat index values near 100 degrees each afternoon through Saturday.
Forecasters say overnight relief will be limited, with lows remaining in the upper 60s to lower 70s, allowing heat to build over several consecutive days.
The weather pattern is expected to remain mostly dry through Wednesday, but isolated thunderstorms return Thursday with around a 20% chance of development. Rain chances increase significantly Friday, when scattered thunderstorms become likely, with probabilities reaching around 60% across portions of central Illinois.
The chance for showers and thunderstorms is expected to continue into the weekend, although warm and humid conditions will persist despite the increased cloud cover.
Residents spending time outdoors are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas. The National Weather Service also recommends scheduling strenuous outdoor activities during the morning or evening instead of the hottest part of the afternoon.
Communities including Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield, Peoria, Decatur, Jacksonville, Mattoon, Danville and surrounding areas are expected to experience the highest heat index values during the afternoon hours through the end of the workweek.
