By WMBD TV
PEORIA, ILL (WMBD) — It looks like the active start to severe weather season we’ve experienced so far in 2026 isn’t pumping the breaks anytime soon. Another week of active weather is shaping up for next week and multiple rounds of severe weather is possible.
Key takeaways
The stage for the upcoming stretch of active weather will be set this weekend as a warm front lifts north across the region. The front itself will not bring any concerns, but it will usher in an unseasonably warm and humid airmass that will help feed storms as a series of storm systems eject from the central Rockies. With moderate to strong instability stretching from Texas to the Midwest and strong jet stream winds aloft, conditions will be favorable for severe weather.
While a random pop-up storm can’t be ruled out on Monday, it appears a strong cap will remain in place likely keeping the area dry and the greater severe weather risk west of Illinois. By Tuesday, storm chances are set to increase as the first upper-level wave of the week moves across the Midwest. With strong instability and shear present the atmosphere would be primed for explosive development with storms likely becoming severe quickly.
While the exact location of storm development and track will change, our in house model displayed above speaks to the volatile environment we could be in by late Tuesday afternoon and evening. Coincidently, the scenario this model is painting is similar to the American GFS and European models. All severe hazards are possible, including the potential for significant severe weather.
The Storm Prediction Center has central Illinois within a Level 2 Risk area (15% chance of severe weather within 25 miles) on Tuesday and Wednesday. Right now, Tuesday appears to be the greater risk day and it wouldn’t be surprising if we see a portion of the risk area upgraded in future outlooks. Wednesday’s severe threat could also increase if the front comes through later in the day.
It looks like we’ll get a break from storms and severe weather on Thursday, but another strong system could impact the area Friday into Saturday with additional severe weather potential. Be sure to monitor the forecast over the next several days and remain weather aware if the severe weather becomes likely.
This story originated at WMBD and this story can be found at CIProud.com.
