Storm to Bring Much-Needed Rain to Central Illinois

Peoria, Ill. (WMBD) — A strong storm system is set to move across the Midwest this weekend, delivering much-needed rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Central Illinois.

Key Takeaways

Rain and thunderstorms likely Saturday
Heavy rainfall and localized street flooding possible
Severe weather risk remains low for Peoria/Bloomington
Gusty winds expected Sunday

A powerful cold front will approach Illinois Friday night, bringing showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Ahead of the front, southerly winds will turn breezy and help push afternoon highs near 80°F on Friday.

Recent weather models show the system becoming stronger and slower, leading to a longer stretch of rainfall and higher totals. While the main low-pressure center will stay north of Illinois, a secondary low is expected to develop along the front, sparking renewed storms and steady rain through Saturday afternoon and overnight.

Some storms could produce heavy rain and gusty winds, though the main severe threat — including damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes — will stay to the south across southern Illinois and the lower Mississippi Valley. If instability increases locally, Central Illinois could see isolated strong wind gusts.

By Sunday, as the system exits, blustery west-northwest winds — possibly over 30 mph — will bring cooler air, with highs in the lower 60s and lows dipping into the upper 30s to low 40s by Sunday night.

Rainfall Forecast

With the system now expected to arrive stronger and slower, rainfall totals are trending higher. Widespread amounts between 0.75″ and 1.50″ are likely, with localized spots exceeding 2.00″. While most areas should absorb the rainfall, training thunderstorms could produce isolated flooding in low-lying areas.

Though this rain won’t completely end the region’s drought, it marks a positive step toward improvement as the active weather pattern continues.

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