Springfield, Illinois – Central and southeastern Illinois will bake under a relentless stretch of extreme heat starting Saturday, with heat index values soaring to 105°F and above through Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Heat Advisory is in effect from noon Saturday until 7 p.m. Tuesday for a wide swath of the state including Peoria, Champaign, Decatur, Springfield, and Danville. The advisory warns of dangerous heat and humidity that could lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations.
Residents across Knox, Sangamon, Macon, Coles, and Lawrence counties should take extra precautions. Stay indoors if possible, drink water frequently, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours. Cities like Bloomington, Mattoon, and Effingham are expected to feel some of the most intense heat of the summer so far.
Schools, camps, and outdoor events may consider schedule adjustments or cancellations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent breaks and shaded areas for anyone working outdoors.
The advisory is expected to expire Tuesday evening, but officials warn the heat could linger. Stay tuned for potential extensions or upgraded warnings if temperatures continue to climb.
