Springfield, Ill. – A dangerous stretch of triple-digit heat is set to grip central Illinois beginning Saturday, with a heat advisory already in effect for much of the region and temperatures pushing 95° or higher through Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, widespread highs in the 90s will combine with high humidity to create heat indices between 101° and 107°, especially on Sunday and Monday. A few isolated storms are possible near and north of I-74 today and again Tuesday, but most of the region will remain dry through the weekend.
Cities including Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, and Bloomington-Normal can expect prolonged periods of extreme heat, raising risks for heat-related illnesses. Local cooling centers may open as heat indices persist above 100° for several days. Motorists are urged not to leave children or pets in vehicles, and outdoor workers should take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
This heat wave marks one of the most intense early-summer events since 2021 for central Illinois, with heat advisories likely to expand as conditions worsen. Light winds and low precipitation chances will exacerbate the heat’s intensity.
The advisory remains in effect through Tuesday, with further updates expected if temperatures continue trending upward.
