Weather
Peoria, IL Weather Alert: 40 MPH Gusts, Frost Risk Oct. 16
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Central Illinois residents face a windy Friday, October 16, followed by two chilly nights that could bring widespread frost and temperatures approaching freezing. Wind gusts could re
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-16T10:17:30.507Z
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Central Illinois residents face a windy Friday, October 16, followed by two chilly nights that could bring widespread frost and temperatures approaching freezing. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph in western portions of the region before overnight temperatures fall into the 30s, threatening sensitive outdoor vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, north to northwest winds are expected to gust between 35 and 40 mph west of the Illinois River Friday, with gusts reaching approximately 30 to 35 mph across much of central Illinois farther east.
The strongest winds are expected to continue until around sunset Friday , potentially creating difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles and blowing around unsecured outdoor objects.
Communities around Peoria, Galesburg and Macomb could experience some of the strongest gusts, while Springfield, Bloomington and Decatur are forecast to see winds generally reaching 30 to 35 mph.
Residents should secure patio furniture, trash containers and lightweight outdoor decorations before the strongest winds develop.
As winds weaken Friday evening, temperatures are expected to drop sharply.
Overnight lows Saturday morning could fall into the lower and middle 30s , with forecast temperatures near 35 degrees in Springfield, 34 degrees in Peoria and 36 degrees in Bloomington.
The frost threat continues Saturday night into early Sunday, October 18, when some communities could experience even colder conditions.
Litchfield is forecast to reach approximately 32 degrees Sunday morning, while Decatur could fall to 35 degrees and Paris to 33 degrees.
The National Weather Service cautions that lingering winds may prevent damaging frost in portions of east central Illinois Friday night and west central Illinois Saturday night.
However, at least brief frost remains possible across much of the region on both mornings.
Residents with vulnerable plants should move them indoors when possible or cover tender vegetation to help extend the growing season.
Updated forecasts are available at weather.gov/ilx.