Springfield, Ill. – Drivers across Central Illinois have a brief warmup Friday to prepare for a sharp temperature drop and a potential round of accumulating snow or ice that could impact I-55, I-72 and I-74 by late Sunday night into early Monday.
Temperatures will surge into the 60s Friday, accelerating snowmelt and leaving roads wet in spots. That warmth will not last. Cooler air settles in Saturday with highs returning to the 40s before a stronger push of colder air arrives Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Central Illinois, wintry precipitation is possible late this weekend into early next week. While exact totals and precipitation type remain uncertain, forecasters indicate the potential for accumulating snow or a light glaze of ice, especially Sunday night into Monday morning.
If surface temperatures fall into the 20s and low 30s as expected, bridges and overpasses along I-55 through Springfield and Bloomington could freeze first. Elevated stretches of I-72 west toward Jacksonville and I-74 near Champaign may also become slick during the early Monday commute.
The rapid 25- to 30-degree temperature swing from Friday’s highs to early Monday morning lows increases the risk for refreezing on untreated pavement. Drivers should monitor updated statements, check tire tread and allow extra stopping distance if traveling late Sunday or early Monday.
Mild conditions dominate through Friday, but winter impacts could return before the start of the new workweek. Additional advisories may be issued as confidence in timing and totals increases across Central Illinois.
