Springfield, Illinois – Summerlike warmth is setting in across central Illinois this week, with highs reaching near 90°F and smoky skies lingering through Tuesday. But a sharp shift in the weather pattern is expected by midweek as scattered thunderstorms and steady rainfall sweep across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a cold front will trigger storms west of I-55 Tuesday afternoon, with showers expanding eastward into Wednesday and Thursday. Some locations along and west of I-55 could receive more than 2 inches of rain, particularly in counties like Logan, Sangamon, and Macon.
Expect mostly sunny and smoky skies Monday and early Tuesday, with air quality concerns likely. Storm chances increase late Tuesday into Wednesday, especially in Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign. Commuters should prepare for reduced visibility and possible ponding on roads. Rainfall is expected to linger into Friday with temperatures dropping into the upper 70s.
Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads, secure outdoor items, and monitor local alerts. This rain event could help ease regional dryness but may also bring isolated flash flooding.
⏭️ More rain is expected through Friday, with cooler, drier weather returning by the weekend.
