Springfield Recorded Record High Temperature

The city reached 91 degrees, shattering a decades-old record for the date.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Severe Weather

Springfield Recorded Record High Temperature

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Springfield experienced an unseasonable high of 91 degrees, marking the latest 90-degree day on record for the city. This extreme warmth broke the previous date record of 89 degrees set in 1962.

Why it matters

The unseasonable temperature is significantly higher than the typical upper 60s experienced in mid-October. The shift is attributed to southwest air flow and abundant sunshine across Central Illinois.

Springfield reached a high of 91 degrees, exceeding the previous record of 89 degrees set in 1962. Average highs for this period usually remain in the upper 60s.

The details

Driven by a combination of southwest flow and prolonged sunshine, this heat event marks the latest 90-degree day recorded in Springfield. Similar conditions last reached this intensity in October during 2007, while Decatur previously set its record in 1938.

October 15, 1938: Decatur recorded its previous latest 90-degree day.
1962: The date when the prior Springfield record was set.
2007: The last year temperatures reached 90 degrees in October.
October 12, 2026: Springfield reached the new record high of 91 degrees.
October 13, 2026: Continued unseasonable warmth is expected.

Seasonal Patterns

This heat event mirrors the rare late-season warmth seen in the 1938 record for the latest 90-degree day in Decatur. It highlights a departure from typical mid-October weather, which usually sees highs in the upper 60s.

Residents should prepare for continued unseasonable warmth tomorrow before temperatures drop significantly by the weekend. Keep outdoor activities limited during peak heat hours until the cooling trend arrives.

The takeaway

This rare weather event demonstrates the volatility of autumn temperatures in Central Illinois. Residents should adjust their plans for the upcoming temperature shift as weekend highs are expected to return to the 50s and 60s.

What happens next

High temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s tomorrow, followed by the return of rain late tomorrow night and a return to highs in the 50s and 60s by the weekend.