Thunderstorms, large hail in 3-day metro-east forecast. When to expect severe weather
Local meteorologists expect potentially hazardous weather over Easter weekend in southwestern Illinois and St. Louis and recommend residents keep an eye out on the forecast.
St. Clair County, Madison County and more metro-east and St. Louis areas are under a hazardous weather outlook as of Friday due to a chance of thunderstorms Sunday through Tuesday, including potentially severe thunderstorms Sunday evening and Monday.
“On Monday, the threat is higher for not only large hail but damaging winds and tornadoes,” National Weather Service St. Louis office lead meteorologist Matt Beitscher told the News-Democrat Friday.
Easter Sunday will see isolated threats of large hail, expected to be 1-inch in diameter or more, Beitscher said.
The metro-east and St. Louis region is also expected to see temperatures far above the seasonal normal in the coming days, with Sunday’s forecast at about 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above average, depending on the location.
“It is certainly well-above normal for this time of year,” Beitscher said.
Here’s what the NWS St. Louis office forecasts for Belleville, as of Friday:
Saturday: Mostly sunny until evening with a high near 71 degrees and a low around 56 degrees. Late night showers are possible.
Easter Sunday: Partly sunny with a high near 80 degrees and a low of 63 degrees. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation and possible thunderstorms after 10 a.m. with wind gusts reaching 26 miles per hour.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high around 78 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 70% and tornadoes are possible.
The expected above-normal temperatures contribute to the chances of severe thunderstorms, Beitscher said.
Beitscher recommended residents frequently check the NWS or other trusted weather sources as severe weather forecasts often change. He also recommended people make a safety plan for what to do if severe weather strikes.
