Storms could turn severe in the metro-east this week. Here’s the latest forecast
Spring doesn’t official arrive until next week, but the threat of severe spring storms is arriving ahead of schedule.
Most of southern Illinois and the entire metro-east region are now under a hazardous weather outlook by the National Weather Service, meaning people in those areas should be on alert for heavy storms.
The National Weather Service office in St. Louis rates the risk of storms for Wednesday and Thursday as “slight.” Friday afternoon, however, could bring damaging winds and tornadoes to the metro-east.
Friday will begin mostly sunny with a high of 78 degrees but that will give way to a 30% chance of storms after 1 p.m. Winds will increase to 18 to 23 mph with gusts up to 36 mph in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The chance of precipitation is 90%.
Chances for severe weather will be heightened in the late afternoon or early evening in Belleville, said meteorologist Jon Carney.
“We’re looking at a line of storms moving through, probably after 7 p.m. in Belleville,” Carney said. “We’re still trying to figure out the times, but it should be late afternoon or early evening. It will be moving very quickly and the primary threats will be damaging winds at 70 mph or more and a threat of tornadoes.
“The thing is this storm will be trucking through the area, so the threat will move in and out in about 20 minutes.”
The weather service forecasts a breezy, but sunny Saturday, with a high of 68 degrees.
The National Weather Service generally recommends people pay attention to the weather this time of year and know where to find updated forecasts because hazardous conditions are common and can develop quickly.
It also urges taking heed of weather alerts:
A “Watch” means atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe weather. They tend to cover a wide geographic area and last for several hours.
A “Warning” means the threat of severe weather is imminent and those affected should take shelter immediately. They typically cover a smaller area and last 30 to 45 minutes.
As threatening weather enters the forecast, the National Weather Service suggests making sure emergency supplies are available and kept in a secure location and having a communication plan in place for all members of the family. Make sure a working radio is accessible and that the safest place to take shelter has been identified and communicated to everyone in the house.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 10:33 AM.