Lincoln, Illinois – A sharp temperature swing is on the way for Central Illinois, with storms, gusty winds, and a sudden drop of nearly 30 degrees expected by late Wednesday. After a warm, breezy day in the low 80s, rain chances climb to 70% by afternoon as a strong cold front cuts across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, gusts may reach 20 mph on Wednesday ahead of the system, which will bring widespread rain and possible localized thunderstorms through the evening. By nightfall, temperatures will plummet into the upper 40s and low 50s, bringing the coolest air the region has seen in weeks.
Cities across the region—like Bloomington, Decatur, and Champaign—should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and rapidly falling temperatures by midweek. Drivers are urged to keep headlights on during heavy showers and watch for pooling water during the evening commute.
Cooler, dry weather settles in by Thursday, with daytime highs in the upper 60s and clear skies expected through the weekend. No additional alerts have been issued yet, but residents should monitor updates as the front approaches.
Five-Day Forecast for Lincoln, Illinois:
- Wednesday: Rain likely (70%), breezy and warm. High 82°, low 50°
- Thursday: Dry and cooler. High 69°, low 52°
- Friday: Slight chance of rain (15%). High 72°, low 50°
- Saturday: Sunny and mild. High 75°, low 49°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 73°, low 48°
