Weather
Illinois Weather: 80% Storm Chance Could Bring Heavy Rain Wednesday
A stylized 3D digital graphic with large metallic text reading 'STORM CHANCE' against a dramatic, dark blue background filled with heavy rain, dark storm clouds, and bright flashes of lightning.
Photo: Country Herald
Springfield, Illinois – Central Illinois faces a sharp change from quiet Monday weather to periods of thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain chances reaching 80% and some storms potentially turning severe or producing locally heavy rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a frontal boundary will stretch west to east across central Illinois Tuesday and Wednesday. Storm chances north of Interstate 70 range from 30% to 60% Tuesday before increasing to 30% to 80% Wednesday.
Heat and humidity will add to the changing pattern. Tuesday highs will range from 86 to 96 degrees, with overnight lows of 63 to 72. Wednesday temperatures could vary significantly depending on the front, with highs from 80 to 96 and lows between 68 and 73.
Springfield and other communities across central Illinois should prepare for changing road conditions, particularly along and north of I-70. Locally heavy rainfall could quickly reduce visibility and leave water on roads. Drivers should never enter flooded pavement.
Residents should keep weather alerts enabled Tuesday and Wednesday, secure loose outdoor items and have an indoor location available if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued.
Monday remains quieter with highs of 77 to 84 degrees before the storm threat increases Tuesday and continues through Wednesday.
