(Lincoln, IL) — The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Central and Southwest Illinois that is in effect today and will run until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Hot weather will continue to develop today, as high temperatures rise into the 90s with afternoon heat index 100 to 105. Temperatures will continue to increase through Friday as most areas see highs in the mid-90s and heat index values 102 to 110. Only a slight cooling is anticipated by Saturday. A heat advisory is in effect for Peoria, Bloomington, and Champaign and nearby areas, while the hotter areas to the southwest, including Springfield and Lincoln have an excessive heat warning in effect through the period. Occasional thunderstorms are possible through the period as several disturbances pass through the Great Lakes Region. The best chances for thunderstorms for central and southeast Illinois will be Saturday and Sunday.
Safety tips for excessive heat include; drinking plenty of water, reduce strenuous activity or wait until early or late in the day, check on elderly family, friends and neighbors, take frequent breaks in air conditioned buildings and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles as temperatures could be 30-40 degrees hotter in a vehicle.