Southern Illinois is currently experiencing a significant heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach into the mid-90s today and tomorrow. While isolated afternoon thunderstorms are possible, they will offer only temporary relief from the intense heat. We will be closely monitoring the excessive heat warnings in effect through Friday, with heat index values potentially reaching up to 105 degrees.
As we head into the weekend, a welcome change is on the horizon. The heatwave will begin to break, with temperatures dropping into the mid to upper 80s. However, this break in the heat will coincide with an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly on Sunday and Monday. While these storms are needed to break the heat and provide much-needed rainfall, they could also produce locally heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds, which we will be monitoring closely.
Looking ahead to next week, slightly cooler and more comfortable air is possible by mid-week.
