The warmest day of year to date looks like it's also bringing more stormy weather to the Peoria area.
The National Weather Service in Lincoln says temperatures Tuesday will reach into the high 70s or low 80s. Meteorologist Matt Barnes says that also brings instability to the atmosphere.
"Likely between about three and four o'clock, we are expecting some thunderstorm cells to develop. And those will lift off to the north and northeast fairly rapidly, late tomorrow afternoon and into the early part of the evening," he said. "And I think that's really the timeframe when we're going to be watching for tornadic developments, large hail and some damaging wind gusts."
Barnes said severe weather impacts from this storm system are likely to be more scattered than the powerful storms that moved through the region last Friday.
The city of Peoria and areas east of the Illinois River are currently in a "enhanced" risk area for severe weather, while most of Peoria County and areas west are in a more elevated "moderate" risk area.
"I do want to stress that I don't think it's going to be particularly widespread. In other words, I don't think the entire Illinois River Valley is going to be impacted," Barnes said. "But when a storm does develop, we'll have to keep a close eye on it because it's going to have a lot of energy to work with."
Areas northwest of the Illinois River are at most risk for significant tornadoes or large hail.
Barnes said it's important that people remain aware of the weather situation Tuesday afternoon and evening. That can come through local media, a NOAA weather radio, or cell phone alerts, he said.
"Just be aware of the possibility that we will issue a warning at some point and at that time, they need to take immediate action. But right now, it's just kind of a wait and watch game," he said.
