Springfield, Illinois – Dangerous heat and scattered thunderstorms are set to blanket Central Illinois Wednesday, creating hazardous travel and outdoor conditions from Springfield to Peoria and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service, a surge of humid air will push temperatures to 93°F Wednesday afternoon, while a 60% chance of thunderstorms could trigger lightning, gusty winds, and brief downpours. Thunderstorm activity is expected to linger into Thursday, keeping heat indices uncomfortably high across Sangamon, Macon, and McLean counties. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and check local alerts before traveling, especially along I-55 and I-72.
After Thursday, relief is in sight. Drier, much cooler air moves in Friday, dropping highs into the upper 70s. Sunshine will dominate the weekend forecast, giving residents a break from oppressive humidity. Power outages and flash flooding remain possible with Wednesday’s storms, so keep mobile devices charged and avoid flooded roadways.
Hot weather persists through Thursday night. More updates will follow as additional advisories are issued.
Five Day Central Illinois Forecast:
- Tonight: Increasing clouds, humid, lows 72–75°F
- Wednesday: Showers & storms likely, dangerous heat, highs 83–93°F, lows 63–72°F (60% rain chance)
- Thursday: Showers, thunder possible early, highs 75–80°F, lows 57–66°F (40% rain chance)
- Friday: Mostly sunny, cooler, highs 75–80°F, lows 50–60°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, comfortable, highs 76–81°F, lows 55–61°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, highs 77–83°F, lows 61–67°F
- Monday: Partly sunny, isolated storms, highs 80–85°F, 20% chance of rain
