By Dot "Doppler" Hollis, Williamson County Bureau
MARION, Ill. — Hot and clear through Friday, with no rain in sight and heat that will test this county hard.
Today stays sunny and steamy, with a high near 99 degrees according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures ease slightly into the mid-90s this afternoon, but the air stays thick. Light south southwest winds won't bring relief.
Thursday is the dangerous day. High near 99 degrees, but the heat index climbs to 105. If you're working outside—in fields, on roofs, anywhere exposed—that's the number that matters. Drink water. Take breaks in shade. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly.
Overnight temperatures drop only to around 76, so there's little relief when the sun sets. Thursday night stays clear and warm.
Friday follows the same pattern: sunny, high near 99, barely a breeze.
No storms. No surprise weather. Just the kind of heat that Williamson County knows to respect. The National Weather Service sees nothing threatening through the weekend, but heat itself is a threat. Treat it like one.
Watch the sky, keep the radio on.
- Forecast data from the National Weather Service.
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