(8:00PM – Wednesday, July 31st, 2024) Wednesday update on a ridge that has in place across the Southern Plains and Southern Mississippi Valley this week, which will begin sliding westward into the Western U.S. to end this week. This ridge has brought a period of hot and humid conditions to portions of the state much of this week, with conditions expected to continue for one final day on Thursday.
Timing & Location…
•Monday, July 29th – Thursday, August 1st: Central and Southern Illinois.
Impacts…
•Daily high temperatures in the mid 80’s to mid 90’s can be expected for affected areas.
•Daily heat index values between 90-110 can be expected for affected areas.
•Daily shower/t’storm chances will temper conditions at times in some areas.
Discussion…
•A ridge that has been in place across the Southern Plains and Southern Mississippi Valley this week will begin to slide westward into the Western U.S. to end this week. As this ridge slides westward, it will bring to an end hot and humid conditions that have been affecting portions of the state for multiple days this week. One final day with hot and humid conditions can be expected across the southern half of the state for Thursday.
Short Term Forecast…
•Thur, August 1st: High temperatures of 85-96 across Central and Southern Illinois, with peak heat indices of 92-110.
