Springfield, Ill. – Central and Southeast Illinois will see summer-like warmth through midweek, but residents should prepare for a higher chance of thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon, with severe weather not out of the question.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, daily highs will climb into the mid to upper 80s through Thursday, with Tuesday reaching near 90°F in some locations. A 70% chance of storms moves in Wednesday, bringing the greatest risk for lightning, heavy rain, and possible wind gusts across Peoria, Decatur, and Champaign.
Localized downpours may impact commutes on I-55 and I-72, especially during the Wednesday evening drive. While Monday and Thursday show minimal rain chances at 20%, drivers should remain cautious during peak heating hours when pop-up showers are possible.
Outdoor workers and event planners should plan for heat safety measures early in the week, especially Tuesday when heat index values may push above 90°F. Residents are urged to monitor updated alerts midweek, especially if outdoor events or travel are planned.
Storms are expected to clear by Thursday night, but more summer weather patterns could return by the weekend.
