People in Central Illinois should get ready for several days of rain, storms, and possible flooding. According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a strong weather system will bring scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, especially near the Illinois River, from Saturday night through at least Wednesday.
Storm Alert Near the Illinois River
A cold front moving through the area will cause widespread showers and thunderstorms, starting late Saturday and continuing into early next week. Some of these storms could be strong, with damaging wind gusts and very heavy rain. Areas northwest of the Illinois River could see the worst of it tonight.
Monday Looks Wettest for Southern Areas
By Monday, the highest chance of rain will be south of I-70. These areas could face localized flooding, especially in places that are low-lying or near rivers. People living in Peoria, Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign should be ready for slow traffic and delays during the Monday morning commute. It’s smart to keep phones charged, stay indoors during storms, and avoid flooded roads.
Hot Days with On-and-Off Showers
Temperatures will stay warm and humid, with daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s through Tuesday. While storm chances will dip slightly by Tuesday, rain will still remain in the forecast until midweek. The weather will be unpredictable, with scattered rain possible even when skies seem clear.
What to Expect This Week in Central Illinois
Saturday Night: Some areas may see storms (30–60% chance). Nighttime temperatures will be between 71–73°F.
Sunday: Stormy, hot, and humid with highs between 85–93°F.
Monday: Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially south of I-70 (60–70% chance). Temperatures between 85–89°F.
Tuesday: A few showers still possible (20%). Highs 87–90°F.
Wednesday: More scattered rain could return (40–50% chance). Highs will stay around 85–89°F.
Central Illinois is in for a stretch of stormy, wet weather starting this weekend. With damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of flooding in some areas, it’s important for residents to stay alert. Keep an eye on weather updates, plan travel carefully, and take safety steps to avoid storm-related problems. Rain chances continue into midweek, so be prepared for changing conditions.
