Champaign, IL – Central Illinois residents should prepare for an Arctic blast later this week, with wind chills plunging below zero by Thursday morning. The National Weather Service forecasts a mix of frigid temperatures and biting winds, marking the coldest stretch of the season so far.
According to the US National Weather Service in Lincoln, light snow will arrive Monday morning, with a dusting to half an inch expected. Highs will hover in the mid-20s, but brisk northwest winds will make it feel significantly colder. Sunny skies will briefly return Tuesday, offering daytime highs near 31 degrees before winds increase midweek, pushing real-feel temperatures to dangerous levels.
By Thursday, morning wind chills could dip as low as -5°F to -10°F across the area, particularly along exposed highways like I-72 and US-45. The weather service advises residents to limit outdoor exposure and wear multiple layers to avoid frostbite.
Temperatures will gradually warm Friday, with highs near 30°F and sunny skies persisting into the weekend. Wednesday’s brief thaw, with highs near 44°F, will give way to strong winds gusting up to 34 mph, so secure outdoor items before midweek.
