By Balint Szalavari
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (25 News) – Friday has been designated as a 25 News First Alert Weather Day due to the increasing potential for severe weather across Central Illinois late in the afternoon and into the evening. A cold front will serve as the driver to an organized line of storms that will be the main focus for storms.
Increasing Severe Weather Potential
The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the level 3 out of 5 Enhanced Risk to include all of Central Illinois as of early Friday morning. This means numerous strong to severe storms will be possible. This has been a notable upgrade, as the enhanced risk expands all the way to I-57.
Much, if not the entire workday will be dry for most across Central Illinois as breezy southerly winds drive warmer, more humid air into Central Illinois. This will help build fuel for storms later in the day. The main focus will be on an organized line of storms passing through Central Illinois, mainly from 6pm through midnight. A few isolated supercells west of the Illinois River cannot be ruled out ahead of the main line, mainly from 4-6pm.
All severe weather hazards will be possible Friday evening, with damaging winds as the primary threat. Large hail, locally heavy rainfall and a few tornadoes are also possible. You will want to stay weather aware, as storm chances will continue past sunset, especially for areas closer to I-55.
Cooler Weekend With Frost Potential
Once the cold front passes through Friday night, cooler air will settle in for the weekend. Daytime highs will trend in the 50’s both Saturday and Sunday, but the bigger focus will be on the potential for patchy frost both Saturday and Sunday nights. Lows will drop into the mid to lower 30’s, with some locations potentially reaching subfreezing temperatures. As a result, you will likely want to cover up any outdoor vegetation or bring plants indoors if possible to prevent any frost related damage.
Temperatures will begin to warm back up into next week as we see an extended break from storm chances. Our next chance for rain will look to arrive a week from Friday, so we will have ample time to enjoy dry and warmer weather.
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