Severe storms and sharp temperature drop expected soon across central Illinois

Warm, windy conditions give way to thunderstorms, heavy rain and overnight lows in the 30s.

ShutterstockWinds will remain strong, contributing to a steep drop in temperatures.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Unseasonably warm temperatures and strong winds across central Illinois are expected to give way to severe thunderstorms and a dramatic cooldown overnight.

Daytime highs climbed into the mid-80s today in Champaign, Danville, Decatur, and Springfield, accompanied by gusty south-southwest winds reaching more than 20 miles per hour.

Forecasters say conditions will shift quickly tonight as thunderstorms develop across the region. Some storms may become severe, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and the potential for hazardous conditions.

Rain is expected to continue overnight, with many areas—including Danville and Clinton—forecast to receive up to one to two inches of rainfall. Winds will remain strong, contributing to a steep drop in temperatures. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the low- to mid-30s.

The storm system will move out by Friday, leaving behind much cooler conditions with daytime highs only reaching the upper 40s. The weekend forecast calls for calmer weather, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures gradually rebounding into the 50s and 60s.