Illinois — Breath crystallizes instantly this morning across central Illinois, and the cold feels unforgiving. Sidewalks crunch under boots near Champaign and Lincoln as temperatures sit well below zero, with wind chills even lower.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning. Wind chills range from 15 to 20 degrees below zero across much of central, east-central, and southeast Illinois. Exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.
Actual air temperatures hover near minus 4 early today, slowly climbing into the upper teens by afternoon. Sunshine helps slightly, but the cold never fully loosens its grip. Winds increase at times, pushing gusts over 20 mph and keeping wind chills near or below zero even during peak daylight.
Tonight stays brutally cold. Lows fall back below zero, and wind chills drop again into the teens below zero. Refreezing is expected on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, especially where daytime melting occurs.
Thursday brings little relief. Clouds increase, and highs struggle to reach the mid-teens. Calm winds help marginally, but cold pavement and lingering ice remain concerns for commuters. Thursday night turns sharply colder again, with lows near minus 5 and renewed wind chill concerns.
Friday starts with another round of bitter cold. Wind chills dip into the single digits below zero during the morning before sunshine returns. Afternoon highs remain near 13, keeping winter firmly in control.
The weekend finally hints at improvement. Saturday brings more sunshine and highs in the mid-teens, while Sunday edges closer to 20. A small snow chance develops late Sunday, though impacts look minor for now.
This cold reflects a broader Midwest pattern, driven by Arctic air and ice-covered Great Lakes. Longer-range outlooks suggest fewer precipitation chances next week, with gradual moderation possible.
Limit time outdoors today. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and watch for flash freezing after sunset. How cold does it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign–Lincoln, Illinois
- Today: Mostly sunny, dangerously cold, high near 18°F
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, very cold, high near 14°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, bitter cold, high near 13°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 16°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, slight snow chance late, high near 20°F
