Scattered showers Friday; strong to severe storms possible Saturday

PEORIA (Heart of Illinois ABC) - We have a mostly cloudy and rather windy day on tap here in central Illinois. Highs will be slightly warmer than yesterday in the mid 60s. A warm front lifting through the region will spark some scattered showers late morning/early afternoon from the southwest and working towards the northeast. Not a complete wash out, but you will likely come across passing showers here and there.

The main focus in our forecast has been the event arriving Saturday. We have been tracking this system closely since Monday, and here is the latest. Showers and some isolated storms will work through tomorrow morning. The threat for strong to severe storms will arrive in the afternoon and evening, and this is dependent on how the first round of morning showers and storms goes. If the showers and storms exit quickly and we get some clearing of clouds, then this will support strong to severe storms in the afternoon and evening. Sunshine/daytime heating will provide the energy needed for these storms to spark, so if the initial wave of rain and clouds in the morning linger around longer, this would help limit daytime heating and therefore limit the energy needed for those storms to initiate in the afternoon.

Models have shown more confidence in us gaining the energy needed to spark strong to severe storms Saturday. Strong storms are possible across the area, and severe storms have better chances of developing east of the Illinois river. The main threats with these storms will be damaging winds up to 60 mph, then large hail and a few isolated tornadoes are also possible. After the initial wave that passes Saturday morning, we’ll have a better understanding on how the afternoon will play out.

The second half of the weekend is fairly quiet and cooler. Highs Sunday will be in the low 60s with a mix of clouds and sun, and breezy winds.

Copyright 2022 Heart of Illinois ABC. All rights reserved.