The National Weather Service says a drier air mass has settled across Southern Illinois and the Ohio Valley, bringing comfortable conditions and seasonable temperatures through the end of the work week.
Overnight lows are expected to fall into the upper 50s under mostly clear skies. Daytime highs will reach the low to mid-80s Wednesday through Friday, with abundant sunshine expected before clouds begin increasing on Friday.
Winds will remain light to moderate from the east and south, providing a break from the higher humidity experienced in recent weeks.
Weather conditions are expected to change over the weekend as moisture returns to the region. Forecasters say daily chances for showers and thunderstorms will begin Saturday, with scattered storms possible Sunday and a greater likelihood of more widespread thunderstorm activity by Monday.
Despite the increased rain chances, temperatures are expected to remain warm, with highs continuing in the low to mid-80s.
Meteorologists will continue to monitor the timing and strength of any storms expected to develop later this weekend and early next week.