Illinois wakes to a muffled world as flakes thicken and cold bites hard.
Streetlights glow through falling snow. Wind cuts across open fields. Pavement stiffens quickly across central Illinois as conditions worsen through the morning.
A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect across much of central and east-central Illinois, including Champaign, Lincoln, and surrounding communities. Snow spreads steadily through the day, with 5 to 10 inches expected by Sunday evening. The heaviest totals are likely near the I-72 and I-70 corridors, where snowfall rates increase quickly once bands set up.
Temperatures remain locked in the teens, but wind chills feel far colder. Values plunge between 10 and 20 degrees below zero, making exposure dangerous. Snow falls onto frozen ground, allowing roads to snow-cover fast. Travel could become very difficult, especially by afternoon and evening.
Drivers along I-57, I-72, and U.S. 45 should prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions. Visibility drops at times. Snow-packed lanes and drifting develop as winds pick up. Plan extra time or delay travel if possible.
Snow continues into Sunday before tapering late in the day. Even as snowfall eases, impacts linger. Melted snow during daylight can refreeze quickly after sunset. Flash freezing raises the risk for slick roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Cold air refuses to leave early next week. Monday morning stays bitter, with wind chills again below zero. Sunshine returns Monday afternoon, but highs struggle to climb out of the low teens.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures slowly recover into the 20s. Long-range outlooks still favor below-normal cold across Illinois, even as precipitation chances drop.
Layer up. Avoid unnecessary travel. How heavy is the snow where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook: Champaign–Lincoln, Illinois
- Sunday: Snow likely, cold. High near 15°F
- Monday: Sunny, very cold. High near 10°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 24°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 15°F
- Thursday: Sunny, cold. High near 15°F
