Springfield, IL – Central and southeast Illinois will see more unseasonably warm and dry conditions this week, with near-record temperatures continuing into early October.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, highs will approach 90 degrees from Sunday through Tuesday before cooling slightly into the 80s later in the week. Overnight lows are forecast to range from the lower 50s to the low 60s.
Forecasters note that rain chances will remain below 10 percent throughout the week, keeping drought concerns in place for much of the region. Farmers and residents across central and southern Illinois are likely to see prolonged impacts from the lack of rainfall, as soils continue to dry out.
Wednesday and Thursday may bring some relief with slightly cooler highs in the mid-80s and nighttime lows dipping into the upper 50s. However, the dry pattern is expected to hold through Saturday.
Officials remind residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, especially for those working in agriculture or outdoor construction.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the extended forecast for any pattern shifts that could bring relief to the ongoing drought.
