textproduct: Central Illinois

KEY MESSAGES

- Gusty winds (20-30 mph) may cause localized blowing dust, potentially significantly reducing visibility. These impacts are most likely north of Interstate 70, but can occur anywhere agricultural fieldwork is active.

- A notable warming trend is expected this weekend, coinciding with daily thunderstorm chances. Severe weather potential is trending upward for the period spanning Friday through Tuesday.

- There is a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather for late Thursday night into Friday morning for south-central IL for damaging winds and large hail. Then an additional marginal risk is in place for later in the day Friday afternoon.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 250 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

Winds will be gusty, up to 20-30 mph, again today. While not as strong as yesterday's winds, there could still be a blowing dust concern where the highest gusts happen, since the rain overnight was not enough to adequately dampen the soil. Notable visibility drops while traveling locally could occur again.

A high pressure system sets up over the region through Thursday evening. A gradual warm up is expected by the weekend. Upper 80s to near 90 for highs is forecast for the weekend into early next week. However, the NBM is still bit hot on the temperatures right now, so let's look at the LREF. The LREF is closer to 80 degrees rather than 90, with 40-70% chance of exceeding 80 degrees Saturday through Monday. Record highs for this weekend are in the low 90s.

WAA and moisture return will bring additional rain chances into the weekend, suggesting a more active pattern returning. The next chance for some exciting weather is late Thursday night into Friday morning. A MCS-type system, associated with a shortwave, looks to move through the southern half of the state (south of I-72), the exact track could wobble north or south still. The day 2 marginal risk (level 1 of 5) from SPC is for very late Thursday night. The hazards we will watch for is strong- to- damaging winds, large hail, and localized heavy rain.

SPC introduced a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather for day 3 (Friday) as well. Instability isn't impressive Friday afternoon, so the threat should remain fairly isolated and marginal.

Additional chances for showers and thunderstorms linger into the new work week. Strong winds look to make a return early next week as well as the pressure gradient tightens up ahead of the next strong low pressure system. There could be more severe weather threats during this time as well, which we will continue to monitor as we approach the weekend.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 1206 AM CDT Wed May 13 2026

VFR conditions are expected through the TAF period. Northwest winds will increase by mid morning with gusts around 25 kts through the afternoon hours. Winds subside and veer to the north as high pressure works across the region Wednesday evening.

ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.