Central Illinois is heading into a hot and humid week, with Springfield and nearby cities preparing for rising temperatures that will make outdoor conditions feel sticky and uncomfortable. According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a wave of heat will build up gradually, with highs in the lower 80s early in the week and pushing into the upper 80s—and possibly even 90 degrees—by Friday and Saturday. This warming trend, paired with rising humidity, is expected to make it feel even hotter than it actually is, especially during the afternoon hours.
The week will begin with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms on Monday afternoon into early Tuesday. These storms are most likely east of Interstate 55, which includes cities like Decatur and Bloomington. While the overall rain chance is between 20 to 40 percent, any storm that forms could bring heavy rain for a short time, along with gusty winds. Commuters and those with outdoor plans during the evening hours should stay alert, as quick-moving showers might impact visibility and slow down traffic.
Tuesday will still carry a slight risk of an afternoon storm, but skies are expected to be partly cloudy overall. Highs will continue to hover in the lower 80s, and humidity will start to rise slowly. This will be one of the more comfortable days of the week before hotter conditions take over.
By Wednesday, the heat and moisture will really start to settle in. Highs will climb into the mid to upper 80s, and the air will feel heavy due to rising humidity levels. This combination will make it feel closer to the 90s, especially in the sun. People working or spending time outside should take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, and avoid peak heat hours if possible.
Thursday looks to be a dry but very hot day, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures likely reaching between 86 and 89 degrees. The humidity will continue to build, adding to the discomfort. It will be important to monitor heat indexes, as the actual “feels-like” temperature could cross into dangerous levels during the afternoon.
Friday may be the hottest day of the week, with daytime highs expected to touch or slightly exceed 90 degrees. There’s also a small chance for an isolated storm late in the day. Although the rain chances are low, any storm that does develop could bring sudden heavy rain or strong wind gusts. People attending local fairs or events should stay weather-aware and have a plan in case storms pop up quickly.
Health officials are warning about the increased risk of heat-related illness as the week goes on. It’s advised to check on elderly family members and neighbors, keep pets cool and hydrated, and avoid leaving children or animals in parked vehicles. With the warm, sticky pattern likely to continue through the weekend, relief from the heat may not arrive until early next week.
