Springfield, Illinois – A cold front pushing into central Illinois Wednesday afternoon could quickly disrupt evening travel, with thunderstorms capable of 60 to 70 mph wind gusts and hail at least 1 inch in diameter developing from 4 p.m. through midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the cold front will provide the next chance for showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening. Parts of central Illinois face a Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk, with damaging winds and large hail the primary concerns.
The best chance for thunderstorms will be south of the Illinois River Valley. Springfield, Lincoln, Decatur, Champaign and surrounding communities could see storms as the front advances. Peoria and Bloomington are also within the broader risk area.
One or two tornadoes cannot be ruled out, while heavy downpours could produce localized flash flooding in urban and low-lying locations. Drivers on Interstate 55, Interstate 72 and Interstate 74 should prepare for rapidly reduced visibility, hail and debris.
Residents should secure outdoor objects and charge phones before 4 p.m. Wednesday. Highs will reach 84 to 90 degrees ahead of the front.
The cold front will usher in quieter conditions Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and highs of 82 to 87 degrees.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Central Illinois
- Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows 61-68.
- Wednesday: Partly cloudy with afternoon and evening storms. Highs 84-90; lows 62-67.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. Highs 82-87; lows 59-65.
- Friday: Sunny. Highs 81-86; lows 58-62.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy. Highs 81-88.
