Weather
Central Illinois Rain: 1-3 Inches Northwest of I-55
Lincoln, IL – Rain and a few thunderstorms will return to central Illinois Thursday, with locally heavy rainfall possible through Thursday night before conditions improve Friday.
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-09-30T22:51:24.203Z
Lincoln, IL – Rain and a few thunderstorms will return to central Illinois Thursday, with locally heavy rainfall possible through Thursday night before conditions improve Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a lull in rainfall is expected from late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Additional showers and thunderstorms will then spread back into the region Thursday.
The highest rainfall totals are expected northwest of Interstate 55, where 1 to 3 inches are forecast. Locally higher amounts are possible. Rain could be heavy at times Thursday and Thursday night, especially across northern portions of the forecast area.
Thursday rain and thunderstorm chances generally range from 30% to 90%, with the greatest coverage mainly north of Interstate 70. High temperatures will vary considerably, from around 74 degrees in northwestern parts of central Illinois to about 88 in the southeast.
Rain will remain widespread Thursday night, with occasional thunderstorms possible and precipitation chances reaching 80% to 90%. Overnight lows are forecast from 55 to 66 degrees.
Rain should taper off Friday morning. A chance of morning showers will linger mainly south of Interstate 72 before skies become mostly sunny. Friday highs are expected to reach 67 to 72 degrees.
Saturday should remain mostly sunny, with highs again ranging from 68 to 72 degrees.
The main concern through Thursday night will be locally heavy rainfall, particularly northwest of I 55 where the Weather Service expects the greatest totals. Conditions should trend drier and cooler Friday as the rain moves out.