Residents across central and southeast Illinois can expect a stormy night as scattered thunderstorms roll through the region. The National Weather Service in Lincoln has warned of heavy downpours and gusty winds tonight, especially in areas like Springfield and along interstates such as I-55 and I-72. While the storms may be brief, they could still cause minor flooding and slow down traffic late this evening into early Tuesday.
Storms to Arrive Late Monday Night
The worst of the weather is expected late Monday night, with scattered thunderstorms bringing:
Short bursts of heavy rain
Wind gusts strong enough to knock down small branches
Brief flooding in low-lying areas
Overnight temperatures will stay quite warm and muggy, with lows hovering around 70 to 73°F. It’s a sticky night for central Illinois, but cooler weather is on the way.
Tuesday Brings Heat, Then Relief
As Tuesday begins, a few morning storms may still linger, especially in eastern parts of the region. However, skies will start clearing in the afternoon, and temperatures will rise into the upper 80s and low 90s. It will still feel humid for most of the day, but relief is just around the corner.
A cold front is expected to move in by Tuesday night, pushing out the sticky air and bringing in much drier and more pleasant conditions.
Cooler, More Comfortable Weather from Wednesday
By Wednesday, the change will be clear. Temperatures will settle into the low to mid-80s, and lower dew points will make it feel much more comfortable.
Here’s what you can expect for the next few days:
| Day | Weather | High/Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday Night | Scattered storms, muggy | 70–73 |
| Tuesday | Morning storms, hot and humid | 87–92 |
| Wednesday | Partly cloudy, less humid | 81–86 |
| Thursday | Partly cloudy, comfortable | 82–87 |
| Friday | Partly cloudy, seasonable | 83–88 |
Travel and Safety Tips During the Storm
With rain expected to fall heavily in a short period, here are a few things residents should keep in mind:
Avoid driving through water-logged roads
Use headlights when driving in the rain
Stay away from trees or power lines that could be affected by strong gusts
Keep an eye on local weather updates for any changing conditions
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
The second half of the week is expected to stay dry and seasonable. While temperatures will remain warm, the lower humidity will bring much-needed comfort, especially after the recent sticky conditions. This makes Wednesday through Friday a great window for outdoor plans or travel.
