Springfield, IL – Central Illinois is gearing up for a week of intense weather, marked by severe thunderstorms and soaring temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potential severe storms and a significant heatwave affecting the region.
According to the US National Weather Service Central Illinois, thunderstorms are forecasted for the entire work week. The heaviest rain is expected this morning, with several inches likely west of I-55. Additional storms this week will be more scattered but still capable of producing heavy rain. The primary concern will be the heat, with triple-digit heat index values up to 112 projected from Tuesday through Thursday.
The threat of strong to severe thunderstorms will persist early this week as Mesoscale Convective Systems move across Illinois. Timing and placement of these systems will be tricky, depending on the remnants of previous storms. Today, stronger storms are anticipated in the morning and evening. Tuesday’s threat will shift northwest, relying on storms later tonight in western Iowa. Damaging wind gusts pose the main risk, with a low but present tornado threat.
A Flood Watch is in effect until 10 a.m. today for areas near Havana and Peoria, with 2 to 3 inches of rain possible in a short period. Residents should exercise caution when traveling, as flooding in low spots and poor drainage areas is expected.
The forecast for the week includes high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to mid-90s, with heat index values reaching as high as 108°F. Wednesday is predicted to be the hottest day of the week. Showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur mainly in the afternoon and evening hours, especially along and east of I-55 and north of I-74.
