Central Illinois – Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across central Illinois late Thursday, bringing the threat of damaging winds and large hail. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln, early morning thunderstorms will sweep through the area, though they are not expected to be severe. Isolated hail and gusty winds are possible during this initial round of storms.
The primary concern lies in a second round of storms anticipated to develop in the late afternoon to evening hours. These storms will likely enter west-central Illinois around 7 p.m., progressing eastward through central Illinois and into Indiana by midnight. The NWS warns that these storms could produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and hail larger than an inch in diameter.
While the storms are expected to be scattered, with unpredictable locations and intensity, the NWS advises residents to stay weather-aware, take shelter indoors as storms approach, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Beyond Thursday, the weather will stabilize with sunny conditions and temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s over the weekend.
