Springfield, Illinois – Weather alerts are in effect across central Illinois as light snow, freezing drizzle, and early-morning slick conditions are expected to affect travel from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a quick-moving weather system will bring occasional light snow today and tonight, with total accumulations generally around 1 inch, and isolated areas seeing up to 2 inches. Snow showers are expected to increase late Thursday afternoon into the evening before tapering off overnight.
Forecasters warn that freezing drizzle is possible late tonight into early Friday morning, particularly north of Interstate 74, where surface temperatures may hover near freezing. Even small amounts of freezing drizzle could create slick spots on bridges, overpasses, parking lots, and sidewalks, especially during the early Friday commute.
Travel impacts are expected to remain limited overall, but untreated roads along Interstate 55, Interstate 74, and US-36 could become briefly hazardous during periods of snow or drizzle. Motorists are urged to use caution during early-morning travel and allow extra time to reach destinations.
Temperatures will remain seasonal through the weekend, with highs ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s on Friday before turning colder Friday night. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the teens and 20s, though no widespread heavy snow is anticipated.
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to remain mostly dry through the weekend, with partly sunny skies Saturday and Sunday. Light snow showers may return at times Sunday, but significant accumulation is not currently forecast.
This pattern may be most noticeable for commuters, school transportation, and early-morning workers traveling before sunrise Friday, when localized slick spots are most likely.
