Springfield, Illinois – Near record warmth will push highs close to 70 degrees Wednesday and Thursday before strong thunderstorms and a sharp cooldown impact travel along I-55 and I-74 late this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Central Illinois, springlike conditions will continue through Thursday with afternoon highs ranging from 65 to 71 degrees. Breezy conditions will develop, especially Wednesday night into Thursday, as a strong system approaches from the west.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop Thursday afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. Some storms could become strong to severe, producing wind gusts over 60 mph and heavy downpours. Interstate 55 from Springfield to Bloomington and Interstate 74 through Champaign and Peoria could see rapidly changing conditions during the late afternoon and evening commute.
Behind the front, temperatures will tumble into the 40s on Friday, with overnight lows dipping into the 20s by early Saturday. This marks a temperature drop of nearly 30 degrees in less than 48 hours. A light rain and snow mix is possible Saturday and Saturday night, particularly along and north of I-72, though significant accumulation is not expected at this time.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items ahead of Thursday’s winds and monitor forecasts for potential storm watches or warnings. Cooler air will settle in through the weekend, bringing a return to more seasonable late-February conditions.
