ILLINOIS — The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center is warning of a heightened risk of severe weather across parts of the Midwest Friday, including a tornado threat for portions of Illinois.
In its Day 1 Convective Outlook issued Friday morning, forecasters placed areas of the Upper and Mid-Mississippi Valley under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms. This includes parts of Illinois, where conditions are expected to become favorable for dangerous storms later in the day.
According to the outlook, a combination of warm, moist air and strengthening winds in the atmosphere will create an environment capable of producing supercell thunderstorms. These storms may bring large hail, damaging winds, and the potential for tornadoes.
Forecasters say isolated supercells could develop during the afternoon across eastern Iowa into nearby portions of northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin. All severe hazards will be possible with these storms, including the potential for a strong tornado.
As storms evolve into the evening, they are expected to form into a more organized line moving eastward. While damaging wind gusts could become the primary threat, the tornado risk may continue with embedded circulations within the line of storms.
The Storm Prediction Center also noted that instability levels and wind shear across the region could support rotating storms capable of producing intense weather. Residents in Illinois are urged to stay weather-aware throughout the day and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.
The severe weather threat is expected to continue into the evening hours before gradually diminishing as storms move east.
