Champaign, IL – Severe storms and dangerous fire conditions are converging across Illinois today, threatening travel and safety from Peoria to Decatur.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, damaging winds over 70 mph, large hail over 2 inches, and a tornado threat are likely Friday afternoon into evening across central and southeast Illinois, particularly south of I-72. Spotter activation may be needed as the storm motion races northeast at 50 mph.
Further north of I-72, strong southwest winds with gusts up to 45 mph and low humidity levels are triggering enhanced fire danger, especially in counties like Peoria, Knox, and McLean. Blowing dust could reduce visibility in tilled fields, and fire could spread rapidly where rain has been sparse.
Today’s forecast for Champaign calls for a high near 88°F with storms expected after 4 p.m. Winds will pick up significantly, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Some storms may produce brief downpours and quarter-size hail.
Saturday turns calmer, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 72°F. Breezy west winds will remain, but no storms are expected.
Looking ahead:
- Sunday: Sunny, high of 78°F
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high 73°F
- Tuesday: Rain and storms continue, high 69°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny with a chance of showers, high 63°F
- Thursday: Drying out with a high near 65°F
