State Fair opening weekend forecast

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Summery weather is in full effect as we head into the start of the Illinois State Fair on Thursday, and fairgoers might want to plan to keep a poncho on hand.

We'll kick the fair off with hot, humid, and mostly sunny conditions early with temperatures warming up to 90 degrees. Clouds will build in by the afternoon ahead of a few showers and storms rolling in by evening. This might mean raindrops during the Twilight Parade at 5:30 pm, but the chances for severe storms are little to none. Showers should roll through quickly with at most a heavy downpour.

Thunderstorms will likely linger into early Friday morning, but sunshine is back heading into the afternoon. From there we set up for a sunny and sweaty start to the weekend.

The humidity paired with 90 degree temperatures will leave us feeling more like mid to upper 90s for Friday and Saturday. Saturday's forecast has plenty of sunshine in store, so make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated! By Sunday, highs are still near 90, but chances for isolated storms are much higher as we set up for our next weathermaker to arrive next week.

Your best days to head to the fair this weekend will be Friday and Saturday. The checklist for fairgoers should including sunscreen, a poncho or umbrella, and water!