The National Weather Service has reported yet another round of extreme heat indexes across Illinois. In some parts of the state, communities are seeing heat indexes as high as 117 degrees, which for areas surrounded by corn, can easily become between 120 and 125 degrees. Cooling centers in many communities are available to provide those who cant find air conditioning or ways to stay cool an option to not overheat.
Taylorville’s Fire Department have announced on social media that during the extremely hot portion of today, the fire department can be used as a cooling center. To find a cooling center in your community, reach out to your local emergency management, or call the local police stations non-emergency number.
Aside from extreme heat, the NWS is also urging residents across Central and Eastern Illinois to remain weather aware this afternoon and evening as the potential for severe thunderstorms continues.
Forecasters say there is still some uncertainty regarding exactly how the storms will develop. A level 2 out of 5 risk is in place for Christian County and for most of the central portion of the state, but a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather is in place for areas east of a line extending from Henry to Bloomington and south to Paris, Illinois.
The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds, with some wind gusts potentially exceeding 70 to 75 miles per hour. Isolated large hail is also possible with the strongest storms. Tornado potential has not been ruled out but is deemed by the NWS as unlikely. There is still a potential for a pop up tornado, which are usually on the weaker end and don’t stay on the ground for long.
The highest threat for severe weather is expected between 2:00 o'clock this afternoon and 9:00 o'clock this evening, with storms moving from north to south across the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts throughout the day, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe weather develops.
More information on the National Weather Service can be found at www.weather.gov.
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