Springfield, Ill. – Oppressive heat and humidity will grip much of central Illinois this afternoon, with heat indices climbing near 100 degrees before a cold front pushes storms into the region overnight. The National Weather Service in Lincoln warns that strong to severe thunderstorms could begin developing over Iowa this evening and sweep southeast into Illinois after 9 p.m., bringing damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall.
According to the NWS, the greatest risk for severe weather will be west of the Illinois River, where repeated rounds of storms could cause localized flooding. Areas including Jacksonville, Macomb, Galesburg, and Havana are under a marginal risk, with gusts exceeding 50 mph possible. Residents are urged to keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts, as the threat could persist into the early morning hours.
Scattered storms will linger into Sunday, keeping highs in the mid-80s. By Monday and Tuesday, unsettled weather remains likely before a cold front brings slightly cooler and less humid air midweek.
Warnings remain in effect for heat and storms tonight, with further updates expected from the National Weather Service.
