Springfield, Ill. – Scattered thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and lightning to Central Illinois by Friday night, with storm chances climbing to 60% and continuing through Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, afternoon rain chances will increase beginning Thursday and remain elevated through the weekend. Friday night into Saturday poses the greatest risk for widespread showers and thunderstorms, potentially impacting outdoor events and travel across cities like Bloomington, Champaign, and Decatur.
Daily highs will remain in the mid to upper 80s, with heat indices near 90°F. While today and Thursday carry only a slight chance of isolated showers (20-30%), those chances jump significantly Friday evening. Saturday’s storms may include localized downpours and gusty winds.
Residents should monitor forecasts closely, especially if traveling or planning outdoor activities. Keep phones charged, avoid flooded roadways, and secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive. Lightning risk may disrupt late-week baseball games, markets, and festivals across the region.
Storms will taper off by late Saturday, but lingering rain chances remain through Sunday. Additional weather advisories may be issued as the weekend approaches.
🔮 Five-Day Forecast for Central Illinois:
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, isolated showers (20%). Highs 85–88°F. Lows 65–69°F.
- Thursday: PM storms possible (30%). Highs 86–89°F. Lows 67–71°F.
- Friday: Partly cloudy, storms possible by night (60%). Highs 89–91°F. Lows 68–74°F.
- Saturday: Scattered storms (60%), breezy. Highs 83–89°F. Lows 63–70°F.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, slight storm risk (30%). Highs 84–89°F. Lows 65–70°F.
