Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central and southeast Illinois have a narrow window to prepare as near-60° warmth and severe thunderstorms today rapidly collapse into winter conditions tonight, with blowing snow and wind chills near −10° arriving by early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, strong thunderstorms are expected today with wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph as temperatures surge into the upper 50s and 60s. The same storm system then sweeps colder air into the region overnight, changing rain to snow while gusts 35 to 50 mph create bursts of reduced visibility and potentially slick highways.
Travel along Interstates 55, 57, and 72 could become hazardous late tonight as temperatures fall sharply into the 15° to 25° range. The rapid freeze may leave wet pavement icy by the early Monday commute.
Monday brings a much different feel statewide. Highs struggle to reach 22° to 28°, and northwest winds up to 40 mph will drive wind chills down to −5° to 10° Monday morning. Blowing snow may linger in open rural areas.
Another round of scattered snow showers Tuesday afternoon could briefly coat roads again before temperatures rebound toward the 50s by Wednesday. Officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items today, charge devices, and limit overnight travel as conditions swing rapidly from severe storms to winter cold.
Five Day Forecast for Springfield, Illinois
Sunday: High 59–68°, severe thunderstorms, wind gusts 45–55 mph
Tonight: Low 15–25°, storms early then snow, gusts 35–50 mph
Monday: High 22–28°, windy, wind chills −5° to 10°, low 5–13°
Tuesday: High 27–33°, AM wind chills −10° to 0°, PM snow showers possible, low 21–27°
Wednesday: High 49–58°, improving conditions, AM wind chills 10–20°, low 34–39°
