Take cautions: Severe storms likely later today

Heat index near 100 degrees

[June 12, 2013]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln released a hazardous weather outlook at 5:37 a.m. Wednesday for portions of central and east-central Illinois. The following outlook is for the counties of Champaign, DeWitt, Logan, McLean, Piatt and Vermilion:

Wednesday and Wednesday night

Scattered thunderstorms will develop across the area later Wednesday afternoon into early evening. The primary threat will be from damaging wind gusts, possibly as high as 80 mph, as well as large hail and isolated tornadoes. The threat for severe weather will begin to diminish across the area after 9 p.m.

Heat index values are expected to approach 100 degrees Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday through Tuesday

There will be another threat for thunderstorms from Saturday through Monday night.

Spotter information statement

Spotter activation will be needed late Wednesday afternoon through evening. Present indications suggest the primary time frame for activation will be from 4 until 10 p.m.

Hot and humid conditions Wednesday afternoon

Hot and humid conditions will occur over central and southeast Illinois on Wednesday afternoon as temperatures rise into the lower 90s, with southeast Illinois approaching 95 degrees. This heat, combined with dewpoints in the lower 70s, will lead to heat indexes peaking around 100 degrees over central Illinois and 100 to 105 degrees in southeast Illinois south of Interstate 70.

Today will likely be the warmest day of the year so far across much of the region. If you will be outside, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen, and take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned location or in the shade. Never leave children, disabled adults or pets unattended in parked vehicles.

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Graphical depiction of storm areas:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/wxstory.php?site=ilx

[Information from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]