Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central Illinois should prepare for brisk winds and subfreezing overnight temperatures that could create slick patches on bridges and overpasses along I-55 and I-72 through early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, high pressure building southeast from Canada will bring cooler air and periods of breezy conditions through the weekend. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the upper teens and 20s, with wind chills falling even lower before sunrise Sunday. While precipitation chances remain very low, the combination of cold pavement and lingering moisture could create isolated icy spots, particularly on elevated roadways.
Saturday will feature highs in the mid-30s to lower 40s with northwest winds occasionally gusting between 30 and 40 mph. Those gusts may cause minor crosswind issues for high-profile vehicles along I-74 near Peoria and I-39 from Bloomington to Normal. By Sunday, highs settle closer to the upper 20s and lower 30s, keeping road surfaces cold.
A gradual warming trend begins Monday and accelerates into Tuesday as winds shift and return flow develops. Highs are projected to reach the 40s Tuesday and climb into the 50s by Wednesday across much of central Illinois, including Champaign and Decatur. Breezy conditions may persist during the warmup.
Motorists should monitor pavement conditions during the early morning hours and allow extra stopping distance where frost or patchy ice develops. No major storms are expected, but fluctuating temperatures and wind could continue to impact travel through midweek.
