Noticeably cooler today, warming back up this weekend

PEORIA (25News Now) - The Thursday forecast begins with comfortable temperatures in the 50s and a light breeze out of the northeast. The northeasterly winds will bring seasonably cooler air to the region today. High temperatures are projected to top out in the low to mid 70s under mostly sunny skies this afternoon. Hazy, smoky skies will likely be in place through the morning, however the highest concentration of smoke should continue to shift to the south of central Illinois with time.

Poor air quality may be a concern for a small number of individuals today, however the overall status of the air quality has improved as compared to yesterday. Continued air flow from the northeast will flush any remaining smoke of the atmosphere as we head into the weekend.

A clear and very cool night is ahead, with lows in the low to mid 40s across central Illinois. Temperatures will climb closer to average Friday afternoon and further warming is on deck for Memorial Day Weekend. The large scale weather pattern looks very quiet across the Midwest through early next week, which is great news for those who are traveling for the Holiday weekend. Temperatures are forecast to climb even further by the middle of next week. Highs may reach the low 90s Tuesday - Friday!

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