Springfield, Illinois – Parts of central Illinois could see strong to locally severe thunderstorms Thursday evening as a fast-moving storm system brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and a brief damaging wind threat before cooler, more wintry weather arrives this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service office in Lincoln, rain and windy conditions will develop Thursday, with thunderstorms becoming more likely by Thursday night. A few storms could turn severe as they move in from the southwest during the evening hours, though they are expected to gradually weaken as they track northeast across the state. The primary concern is locally damaging wind gusts.
Cities including Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Bloomington, and Champaign fall within a Level 1 risk, meaning isolated severe storms are possible. Downpours and gusty winds may lead to brief travel slowdowns, especially during the Thursday evening commute. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
Rain may linger into Friday, but any snow accumulation late Friday night into Saturday is expected to be light. Temperatures will remain unseasonably mild through Friday, with highs in the 50s to lower 60s, before cooling back toward seasonal levels over the weekend.
The severe threat is expected to be short-lived, but officials stress staying weather-aware Thursday evening. Additional advisories or updates could be issued as the system moves through central Illinois.
