Springfield, Ill. – Smoky skies and poor air quality will continue to affect much of central Illinois through Monday, creating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups before thunderstorms capable of becoming severe move into the region Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, an Air Quality Alert remains in effect through Monday as wildfire smoke lingers across central Illinois. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s, with heat index values approaching 100 degrees in many communities before storms develop during the evening and overnight hours.
Cities including Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, Champaign, Lincoln and Jacksonville will contend with hazy conditions throughout Monday. People with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should reduce prolonged outdoor activity, while everyone is encouraged to limit strenuous exercise if smoke becomes more noticeable.
Forecasters place the chance of thunderstorms Monday night at around 50 percent, with some storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and isolated severe weather. The greatest storm chances on Tuesday will be east of Interstate 55 before the system gradually exits the region.
A cooler and less humid pattern is expected to arrive by Wednesday, with daytime highs falling into the upper 70s and lower 80s through the end of the workweek. Additional showers are possible by Friday, but the more comfortable temperatures should provide relief from the recent heat and smoky conditions.
Five-Day Forecast for Springfield, Illinois
- Monday: Smoky with an Air Quality Alert. High 87 to 91. Heat index 95 to 100.
- Tuesday: 20–50% chance of thunderstorms, mainly east of I-55. High 86 to 93. Heat index 95 to 105.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 76 to 82.
- Thursday: Partly cloudy. High 77 to 83.
- Friday: 20–30% chance of showers. High 78 to 84.
