Springfield, Illinois – Storms and sweltering heat are set to shape the week for Illinois residents, with scattered showers and thunder possible each afternoon through Thursday. Motorists and outdoor workers across the state should brace for pop-up storms and temperatures climbing into the 90s by midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, isolated storms will hit southeast Illinois tonight, with more widespread afternoon and evening storms expected statewide from Monday onward. Monday brings only a 20% chance of storms south of I-70, but storm chances increase to 50% by Wednesday as heat indices approach 100 degrees. Overnight lows will stay muggy, rarely dipping below the upper 60s.
Major cities like Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign-Urbana could see heavy downpours causing brief road flooding during evening commutes, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. Commuters along I-55 and I-72 should plan for sudden slowdowns and wet pavement. Residents are urged to monitor for weather alerts, limit time outdoors during peak heat, and keep phones charged in case of power outages.
Stay weather-aware as thunderstorm chances persist into Thursday, with a slight cooling trend possible late week. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as storms develop.
Five-Day Bullet Point Forecast for Central Illinois:
- Tonight: Showers/storms southeast IL until midnight; lows 65-70°F
- Monday: Isolated afternoon/evening storms south of I-70; highs mid 80s, lows 65-70°F
- Tuesday: Afternoon/evening storms (30-50% chance); highs upper 80s, lows 70-75°F
- Wednesday: Storms likely (50%); heat index near 100, highs low 90s, lows 65-75°F
- Thursday: Afternoon/evening storms (30-50%); highs 80-90°F, lows 60-70°F
