Lincoln, IL – Central Illinois residents, particularly those near and north of I-74, should prepare for strong to severe storms tonight and sweltering heat this weekend. Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern for the storms, with isolated severe conditions expected.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln, IL, a thunderstorm complex is forecasted to develop over the upper Midwest this evening, moving southeast into northern and central Illinois overnight. The highest local risk level is 1 out of 5, indicating isolated severe storms. The timing for this weather event is between midnight and 6 a.m. Saturday.
In addition to the storm threat, a hot and humid airmass will spread across the region this weekend. Heat indices are predicted to peak Sunday and Monday afternoon, reaching near 105 degrees. The NWS reports a 30% chance of storms tonight and Tuesday, some of which could be strong to severe.
Residents are advised to take precautions against the heat by limiting outdoor activities, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, using sunscreen, and scheduling outdoor work for early morning or evening hours.
For today, temperatures will reach up to 90 degrees with a 20% chance of PM storms. Sunday will see highs of 92 degrees, and Monday will be the hottest day with temperatures soaring to 93-96 degrees. On Tuesday, the region can expect another round of storms with highs in the upper 80s.
