Lincoln, IL – Winter is making a sudden comeback across Central Illinois as a powerful cold front brings snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold wind chills through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, rain will change to snow tonight as colder air rapidly moves into the region behind a strong low-pressure system.
Expected Snowfall
Snow is expected from Sunday evening through Monday evening, with the highest totals likely across northwestern and northern portions of central Illinois.
Forecast snowfall totals include:
- 2–5 inches: Galesburg area
- 1–3 inches: Peoria, Bloomington, Pontiac, and Kankakee
- Around 1–2 inches: Springfield and surrounding areas
- Less than 1 inch: southeastern portions of the region including Effingham and Robinson
Dangerous Wind Chills
After the snow moves out, bitter cold air will surge into the region Monday night.
Wind chills are expected to drop well below zero, with some areas seeing feels-like temperatures between -5°F and -8°F by early Tuesday morning.
Cities including Peoria, Galesburg, Bloomington, Lincoln, and Springfield could experience the coldest conditions.
What to Expect
- Rain changing to snow tonight
- Snow continuing through Monday
- Strong winds developing behind the system
- Dangerous wind chills Monday night into Tuesday morning
Safety Reminders
The National Weather Service advises residents to:
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin
- Limit time outdoors during extreme cold
- Bring pets indoors
- Keep an emergency kit and jumper cables in your vehicle
Temperatures are expected to slowly recover later in the week, but the early-week system will deliver a brief return to winter across much of Illinois.
