Springfield, Ill. – A wave of dangerous heat is expected to grip Central Illinois starting Friday, with heat index values climbing to 100°F and a risk of strong storms through the holiday weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, temperatures will climb into the low 90s Friday through Sunday, with peak heat indices between 95 and 100 degrees. After a relatively mild midweek stretch, humidity will surge by Saturday, fueling scattered thunderstorms Saturday night into early next week. Forecasters warn of locally heavy rainfall and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning as the main threats.
Cities including Peoria, Decatur, and Champaign will feel the brunt of the heat. Outdoor activities and travel for Independence Day could be affected, especially as storm chances increase Sunday. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit time outside during peak heat, and monitor local alerts for evolving weather risks.
Though storm coverage remains uncertain, the National Weather Service says additional advisories may be issued as confidence in timing and severity increases.
Central Illinois 5-Day Forecast
- Today: 86–89°F, partly sunny, low 66–69°F
- Thursday: 88–91°F, mostly sunny, low 69–72°F
- Friday: 90–92°F, hot and humid, low 70–74°F
- Saturday: 90–93°F, humid with late storms, low 72–75°F
- Sunday: 86–94°F, 40% chance of thunderstorms, muggy
