The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for much of the region from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Forecasters say southwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected, with gusts reaching as high as 45 miles per hour. The advisory covers Southern Illinois, Southwest Indiana, Western Kentucky and Southeast Missouri.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items as strong winds could blow around unsecured objects, bring down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Motorists, especially those driving high-profile vehicles, should use caution due to strong crosswinds.
Meanwhile, forecasters are also monitoring an unseasonably strong storm system expected to affect the Mid-Mississippi River Valley from Wednesday through Thursday night.
Strong southerly winds will pull warm, humid air into the region, with dewpoints climbing into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Severe thunderstorms may develop late Wednesday evening, particularly north of Interstate 64, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall.
The threat for severe weather is expected to continue into Thursday as a cold front stalls across the region. Additional thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon and evening hours, with western Kentucky facing the greatest risk. Damaging winds and large hail are expected to be the primary hazards.
Drier and cooler weather is forecast to return by the end of the work week, bringing calmer conditions and clearer skies