Springfield, Ill. – A slow-moving storm system will keep central Illinois locked into a wet weather pattern through the weekend, bringing repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms that could produce localized flooding and a few severe storms before drier conditions return early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, thunderstorms will become more widespread Friday afternoon and evening, when a few storms may turn severe. The greatest threat includes damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, torrential rainfall and the possibility of an isolated tornado, especially across western and southwestern portions of central Illinois.
The unsettled pattern continues into Saturday, with 60% to 80% chances for showers and thunderstorms across much of the region. Repeated rounds of rain may produce localized flooding, particularly in areas that receive multiple downpours. Communities including Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, Lincoln, Jacksonville, Taylorville, Champaign and Effingham could experience periods of heavy rain that slow travel and create ponding on roads.
By Sunday, showers and thunderstorms become more scattered, with the highest rain chances shifting east of Interstate 55. While severe weather should become less widespread, pockets of heavy rainfall may still develop before precipitation gradually tapers Sunday night.
Temperatures will remain slightly below normal through the wet stretch, with afternoon highs generally ranging from the mid-70s to lower 80s through Monday. Sunshine returns Monday with partly cloudy skies before a small chance of afternoon showers develops Tuesday as highs climb back into the lower to middle 80s.
Residents should monitor weather alerts throughout the weekend, avoid driving through flooded roadways and have multiple ways to receive warnings if severe thunderstorms develop. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as the slow-moving system tracks across Illinois.
Five-Day Forecast for Springfield, Illinois
- Friday: High 77–84°F. 50–90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. A few storms may become severe. Low 66–70°F with 80–100% chance of rain overnight.
- Saturday: High 75–80°F. 60–80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Locally heavy rain possible. Low 63–67°F with 30–70% chance of showers.
- Sunday: High 77–82°F. 30–60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly east of Interstate 55. Low 60–65°F.
- Monday: High 79–84°F. Partly cloudy and drier. Low 61–66°F with mostly clear skies.
- Tuesday: High 81–87°F. 20–30% chance of afternoon showers. Mostly clear Tuesday night with lows 63–68°F.
