Weather
Illinois Weather Alert: Lows Plunge Into the 20s by Friday Nov 13
Lincoln, IL – Central Illinois residents will experience a noticeable weather turnaround this week as temperatures climb near 70 degrees Tuesday before a cold front brings rain, breezy conditions and
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-11-09T09:22:40.995Z
Lincoln, IL – Central Illinois residents will experience a noticeable weather turnaround this week as temperatures climb near 70 degrees Tuesday before a cold front brings rain, breezy conditions and overnight lows potentially falling into the 20s by Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service NWS in Lincoln, mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures will dominate the beginning of the week before a midweek weather system ushers in colder air across the region.
Monday will feature highs between 63 and 66 degrees, with overnight temperatures dropping into the 41 46 degree range.
Tuesday could be even warmer, with afternoon highs reaching 63 to 70 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Tuesday night lows are expected between 39 and 45 degrees.
Rain Chances Increase Wednesday Conditions begin changing Wednesday as a cold front approaches central Illinois.
The NWS forecasts a 50% chance of rain Wednesday, with daytime highs ranging from 57 to 68 degrees.
Rain chances continue Wednesday night at approximately 40%, while temperatures fall into the 36 43 degree range.
Thursday brings another 30% chance of rain, along with breezy conditions and noticeably cooler afternoon temperatures between 46 and 53 degrees.
Freezing Temperatures Arrive Late Week The biggest change arrives Thursday night when temperatures could fall to between 29 and 34 degrees across central Illinois.
Friday will feel significantly colder than the beginning of the week, with afternoon highs reaching only 42 to 46 degrees.
By Friday night, November 13, temperatures are forecast to drop into the 26 29 degree range, bringing widespread potential for freezing conditions.
The colder nighttime temperatures could affect sensitive outdoor plants, exposed plumbing and residents spending extended periods outdoors.
What Residents Should Expect Despite the midweek rain chances, precipitation probabilities fall below 10% Friday as drier weather returns.
Residents should prepare for a sharp temperature change, particularly between Tuesday afternoon and Friday night.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor updated forecasts as the cold front approaches and temperatures become more certain.