Springfield, Ill. – Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms will track along the I-55 and I-72 corridors beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the week, with some communities seeing rain chances near 90% by Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a stalled frontal boundary will remain draped across central Illinois through at least Saturday. That boundary will separate cooler air to the north from much warmer air to the south, creating a sharp temperature contrast and daily storm chances along and near I-70.
North of the boundary, including areas near Peoria and Bloomington along I-74, afternoon highs will hold in the 40s and 50s at times. South of I-70, including communities near Taylorville and Effingham, temperatures could surge into the 60s and even low 70s by late week. That clash of air masses will fuel multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, especially Wednesday and Friday.
Springfield sits near the dividing line, meaning conditions may shift quickly depending on where the front stalls. Periods of heavy rain could lead to ponding on roadways, particularly along I-55 and low-lying stretches of I-72 during heavier downpours.
Drivers should remain alert for sudden reductions in visibility and avoid driving through water-covered roads. Keep mobile devices charged in case isolated strong storms produce gusty winds.
Storm chances continue daily into Saturday before the boundary finally shifts. Additional advisories may be issued if stronger storms develop midweek.
