First Alert Weather Day Issued For Friday

PEORIA (25News Now) - A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Friday as we continue to monitor the potential for severe weather across Central Illinois. Our forecast will remain quiet for the remainder of Wednesday and through much of Thursday’s forecast ahead of our storm chances. All severe weather related threats remain possible at this time.

This Evening & Thursday: Clouds will gradually clear out through the afternoon and evening as a cold front continues to slide south. This front has been the reason for the cooler temperatures this afternoon with highs in the mid 40′s. Quiet conditions will continue this evening through much of Thursday’s forecast. Southerly winds will build throughout the day. As a result, daytime highs will reach the upper 50′s to lower 60′s with the warmest temperatures south of I-74.

Storm Chances: Apart from a few showers possible late Thursday, we’ll remain dry until a warm front lifts late Thursday into early Friday morning. This warm front will bring the first of three possible rounds of severe weather potential to Central Illinois. The lifting warm front will pose the lowest potential for severe weather with a few showers and storms being possible. If any strong/severe storm were to form, small hail would be the primary threat.

The second round of severe weather looks possible during the afternoon on Friday, mainly from 12-4 PM. This second round of storms is a bit of a “Wild Card” as there is still some uncertainty that storms will form at this time. There may be a few limiting factors that would prevent storms from forming including the potential for morning cloud coverage, lingering overnight showers and a capped environment, which acts as a “lid” keeping storms from being able to form. While there is some uncertainty, this window of possible storms carries the greatest chance for tornadoes.

The third round of storms will arrive ahead of a strong cold front pushing eastward during our Friday evening. Storms will likely organize into a line of strong storms capable of producing damaging winds as well as large hail and a brief spin-up tornado. This round of storms will likely carry the greatest potential for severe weather overall. These storms will be fast moving as strong winds push the front eastward. The best timeframe for these storms will run from 5-9 PM.

Damaging winds will be the primary threat with any severe thunderstorm. Gusts up to 70 miles per hour will be possible. Large hail and a few tornadoes will also be possible during the afternoon and evening.

Stay Prepared: With several rounds of storms expected, including overnight, make sure you have a way to get severe weather alerts. If you have any outdoor plans Friday, it is advised you put plans off for another day, as our highest potential for severe weather will occur during the afternoon and evening. You can download the 25News First Alert Weather app on both Android and Apple devices with up to date push notifications for your location.

Once these storms pass, temperatures will drop from the 70′s Friday afternoon to the 40′s for Saturday. Strong, non-thunderstorm winds are expected Saturday with gusts up to 45 miles per hour.

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