Springfield, Ill. – Scattered thunderstorms and steamy heat will dominate Central Illinois through Saturday, with Friday shaping up as the hottest day of the stretch, potentially pushing heat index values near 100°F.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, scattered storms will primarily impact areas north of I-72 through Friday, including Bloomington, Peoria, and Champaign. Rain chances increase heading into Friday night and Saturday, with thunderstorm coverage expected to rise to 60% by Saturday afternoon.
Highs today will climb into the upper 80s to near 90°F, with Friday’s peak temperatures reaching 91–93°F in central cities such as Springfield, Decatur, and Lincoln. Overnight lows remain warm and muggy in the low 70s, offering little relief.
Residents along the I-55 and I-72 corridors should stay weather-aware, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when pop-up storms may develop quickly. Outdoor plans may be disrupted, and localized flooding or brief wind gusts are possible in stronger cells.
Rain chances taper slightly by Sunday, but muggy conditions will linger. More updates are expected as weekend weather models evolve.
