Springfield, IL – Central Illinois residents are being warned to brace for multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday night, with the most severe conditions forecast from Friday evening into Saturday.
According to the US National Weather Service Central Illinois, storms will continue intermittently throughout the weekend, with Friday night posing the highest threat. Some of these storms could become severe, bringing large hail and damaging wind gusts. Scattered showers will develop overnight Thursday, with lows dipping between 47 and 52 degrees. A few lingering storms could persist into Thursday morning before skies turn partly cloudy and windy.
By Friday, high temperatures will reach into the low 80s, creating unstable atmospheric conditions favorable for storm development by late afternoon and evening. Areas south of Interstate 72, including cities like Taylorville and Effingham, are expected to face the highest risk.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects, charge electronic devices, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates. If traveling, remain weather-aware and avoid flooded roads or low-visibility areas. Historically, April storms in Illinois have brought similar hazards, especially with sharp temperature swings and rapid-moving systems. The threat may persist into early Saturday morning before conditions gradually improve.
