Warm, sunny, and dry weather continues Tuesday

PEORIA (25News Now) - It’s a mild start to Tuesday, with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s across central Illinois. Another mostly sunny day is on tap, with temperatures that are projected to run nearly 10° above normal (mid 80s!) this afternoon. A higher concentration of wildfire smoke to the north may result in a hazy appearance on the horizon, however the skies directly over central Illinois should appear fairly blue today.

A “backdoor” cold front will slide through central Illinois tomorrow afternoon. The result of the frontal passage will be much cooler air for the end of the work week, however the arrival of cooler air will be delayed. Highs will once again climb into the mid 80s under mostly sunny skies Wednesday afternoon. The seasonably cooler air if forecast to move into the region for Thursday and Friday, with highs in the 70s both days.

Temperatures will climb back into the 80s for Memorial Day Weekend. Sunshine, dry time, and warm temperatures can be expected across the viewing area for the entire Holiday weekend! Further warming into the upper 80s is forecast for the middle of next week. The extended stretch of dry weather, combined with warm temperatures and many hours of sunshine has created concern for a “flash drought” in spots by the start of next month. The potential rapid intensification of drought conditions will be something to monitor over the coming weeks.

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