By Balint Szalavari
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (25 News) – 25 News First Alert Weather Days continue due to the risk for severe weather the next two days along with more heat and humidity. Quieter weather will return Friday and Saturday with less humidity.
Severe Weather Possible Through Thursday
While the heat goes on, our main focus Wednesday and Thursday will be increased severe weather potential. Areas mainly north of Route 116 have been elevated to a level 3 out of 5 Enhanced Risk for numerous severe storms to be possible Wednesday, with areas further south remaining under a level 2 out of 5 Slight Risk for scattered severe storms. The first half of the day is expected to be dry and steamy before storm chances increase for the afternoon and evening.
Storms will develop over parts of Iowa and Missouri during the day before racing eastward. Two rounds of storm chances will be possible the second half of the day, but the first round will remain a bit of a wildcard. Our first round of storm chances will arrive during the afternoon into the evening with scattered storms developing. More widespread storm coverage is expected during the late evening after 8 PM. All severe weather hazards are possible with damaging up to 65 miles per hour as the primary threat. Locally heavy rainfall, large hail and an isolated tornado are also possible.
Thursday’s severe weather setup will follow a similar pattern, but will be driven by an approaching cold front in the late evening. The workday is expected to be dry and hot with highs near 90 before storm chances increase after 7 PM. A widespread level 3 out of 5 Enhanced Risk is in place across all of Central Illinois for numerous severe storms to be possible. All severe weather hazards are possible, with damaging winds up to 75 miles per hour as the primary threat. Hail, locally heavy rainfall and a few tornadoes are also possible.
A Bit Of Relief From The Humidity Into The Weekend
Hot, humid weather will remain through Thursday with heat index values near the 100 degree mark both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon. Once Thursday’s cold front passes, we will see humidity begin to fall. It will still be warm Friday into the weekend with highs in the 80’s both Friday and Saturday, bit it will be notably more comfortable outside.
Saturday will be a bit humid as a few isolated storm chances return with a weak cold front before we turn even more comfortable into next week. Highs will also cool, falling into the 70’s Sunday into early next week.
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