Central Illinois is bracing for strong to severe thunderstorms tonight and into Monday, with damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall expected. According to the National Weather Service, the storms are most likely to occur overnight, with the potential to reach peak intensity during the afternoon and evening on Monday.
A cold front will move into the region, bringing hot and humid conditions until it arrives. Temperatures today are expected to reach highs of 85-90°F, with heat indices climbing between 94 and 99°F. The storm risks are primarily isolated to wind gusts up to 60 mph, along with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
The outlook for Monday shows a heightened threat in Central Illinois, especially for cities such as Quincy, Springfield, and Macomb, where conditions could include intense afternoon storms. Highs will remain in the mid-80s, with low temperatures falling to the low 70s overnight.
The storms will begin to subside Tuesday as cooler, more seasonal temperatures return, along with dry conditions for the rest of the week. Meteorologists recommend staying alert for changing conditions and taking precautions to protect yourself and your property through the duration of the storms.
5-Day Forecast:
Sunday: Highs 85-90°F, chance of thunderstorms overnight
Monday: Highs 84-88°F, strong storms likely after noon
Tuesday: Highs 83-87°F, dry with partly cloudy skies
Wednesday: Highs 85-88°F, mostly sunny
Thursday: Highs 87-90°F, sunny with moderate humidity
