Peoria, Ill. (WMBD) — It has been a warm start to November in Central Illinois, and while this warmth is expected to continue through the weekend, big changes are on the horizon next week as our first push of winter-like air reaches the area.
The pattern change will begin early next week as a deepening area of low pressure tracks from Texas into the Midwest. The exact track of the system is uncertain but rain and gusty winds are expected to spread into the region on Monday and Tuesday. While thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible, severe weather appears unlikely across Central Illinois given the lack of instability. A greater risk for severe storms could materialize across the lower Mississippi River Valley however.
Winter temperatures arrive
Behind the cold front a surge of colder air will push across the country bringing the first shot of winter-like temperatures to many.
Temperatures will be 10-15° above average (lower 60s) across Central Illinois this weekend but will gradually get cooler throughout the week. The coldest air of this “winter surge” is expected to reach our area by next weekend with temperatures potentially 5-10° below average. For context, this means Central Illinois could see highs in the lower 40s and upper 30s with lows in the upper 20s and lower 30s.