Record Warmth for the US

For many cities in Central Illinois, this spring (March, April, May) was the warmest on record. Peoria's average temperature for the three months was 59.2°. But we weren't the only ones above normal. The United States just completed its second warmest May on record, making this the warmest spring ever for our country. It surpassed the previous record by 2.0° F. These maps from the National Climatic Data Center break down temperature and precipitation deviations from normal state by state.

Our warm spring is just a part of a warm 2012. We are currently experiencing the warmest year-to-date and the warmest 12-month period in the nation's recorded history.

This weekend will be above normal with plenty of sunshine. Increasing southerly winds will bump up heat and humidity through Sunday. Highs are expected to reach the upper 80s and low 90s, with heat index values in the low 90s as well.

Next week will bring relief from the heat and some much needed rain back to the forecast. A cold front Monday into Tuesday will pop up strong thunderstorms, mainly Monday night. Cooler upper 70s and low 80s are expected through the middle of next week.