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Good Thursday morning! Winter weather advisory in portions of central Illinois this morning for the chance of freezing rain, but better chances from Quincy to Peoria.
As we head through the day, the threat for scattered showers and a wintry mix continues into late morning, but by the afternoon most areas catch a break in the moisture as everyone warms above freezing.
The next wave of showers arrives this evening, and will continue into Friday morning. Pockets of heavy rain will be likely in central/southern sections of the state with some thunder. I am not concerned for any freezing issues tonight. We work in dry weather most of Friday for areas north of I-70, while rain chances continue along the Ohio River.
Here is a look at rain potential through Friday evening. 1-2″ south of I-70, with 0.5″ or less north of there.
Temperatures will warm over the next few days…warmest readings in southeast sections of the state where 50s will be common. Staying cool in northwest Illinois.
Widespread rain showers expected to build in Friday night from south to north…with Saturday expected to be a soggy day. Thunderstorms will be possible Saturday evening for southern Illinois, with a few severe storms possible far south.
The main concern with these storms will be gusty winds that could approach or reach severe criteria, mainly for far southern portions of the state. The wet ground here will make it easier to uproot trees, even if winds don’t meet severe “criteria” (gusts 58mph or greater).
Expecting the heaviest rains to target southern Illinois the next several days, where 2-4″ will be likely south of I-70 between now and Sunday morning.
Sunshine returns Sunday as high pressure builds in. Dry weather looks to continue through Tuesday of next week, with temperatures well above normal. Another system arrives by Wednesday/Thursday, then colder air looms beyond this period!
