textproduct: Central Illinois

KEY MESSAGES

- Conditions are expected to be drier than normal for mid-May, with weekly rainfall totals likely suppressed to approximately half an inch, with localized higher amounts from any storms. - A warming trend will bring temperatures near to above seasonal averages throughout the week, featuring daytime highs in the vicinity of 80 degrees and overnight lows near the upper 50s.

- Blowing dust concerns are increasing for Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly north of I-70. Wind gusts exceeding 30 mph are likely (60-100%) during this time. Given relatively dry soils and peak farming activity, visibility along major roadways may become notably impacted due to blowing dust.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 210 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026

Highs in the low 70s today. Then, a gradual warm up will take place through the week. By the weekend, we have upper 80s to near 90 degrees in the forecast for highs. The NBM is showing a 30-50% chance of highs being above 90 degrees next Saturday west of I-55 and 30-60% chance more widespread on Sunday.

Ahead of the front on Tuesday and behind the front on Wednesday, winds could be gusty (up to 25-35 mph). The HREF has a 30-60% chance of gusts greater than 35 mph on Tuesday north of a Macomb to Bloomington line. However, north of I-72 has the potential for wind gusts greater than 30 mph during the day Tuesday. Then a 20-50% chance (LREF) of greater than 35 mph wind gusts on Wednesday, north of I- 70. This may cause some concern for another round of blowing dust where the topsoil has recently been disturbed by farming activities.

The next chance for showers and thunderstorms arrives Tuesday with 40-70% pops areawide as a front passes overhead. The SPC has a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather with this front, focused on damaging winds and large hail. The threat should be pretty isolated as the front moves through central and southeastern IL. The GFS is showing 500-1000 J/kg of MUCAPE and 50 knots of bulk shear. GFS also has a bit of a cap in place, ~50-100 J/kg of CIN. The other models are lower on the MUCAPE values and higher on the CIN. Rainfall amounts will generally be less than half an inch, but higher amounts could be expected where a stronger thunderstorm may move through.

With the increase of warm air and moisture, additional rain chances return for the end of the week into the weekend, suggesting we could be entering into a more active pattern once again. The CSU machine learning is hinting at some areas of 5% chance of severe weather for days 6-8. We will continue to monitor trends in the models to see if there could be any threat as the week progresses.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1205 AM CDT Mon May 11 2026

VFR conditions are expected the next 24 hours. Light and variable winds will veer to the north by mid to late morning as a weak cold front works through the area. Winds turn light once again Monday night with the direction gradually veering to the east by 06Z ahead of a warm front.

ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.