A generally mild and mostly dry pattern is setting up across Central Illinois this week, though some locations may see light snow showers today.
According to the National Weather Service Central Illinois, there is a 30 to 50 percent chance of snow today focused mainly north of Interstate 74 and south of Shelbyville to Paris. In areas where snow develops, accumulations are expected to remain under one inch, limiting overall impacts but still creating the potential for slick spots on untreated roads.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 74, Interstate 55, U.S. 51, and nearby state highways should be alert for brief snow showers and reduced traction, particularly during the morning and early afternoon hours. Outside of these areas, conditions are expected to remain dry.
High temperatures today are forecast to range from the upper 20s to mid-30s, with colder conditions expected Wednesday. Highs on Wednesday are expected to dip into the mid-20s to near 30 degrees, accompanied by chilly wind chills during the morning and nighttime hours.
After midweek, a warming trend returns. Thursday through Friday are expected to bring highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s, marking a noticeably milder stretch for early February. Overnight lows will generally range from the teens to mid-20s, which could still allow for patchy refreeze during overnight and early-morning travel.
The National Weather Service reports that, aside from today’s spotty snow chances, the remainder of the week is trending dry, reducing the risk for widespread travel disruptions.
Motorists, students, and early-morning workers should continue to monitor conditions today, especially in areas near I-74, while enjoying improving weather later in the week as temperatures rebound across Central Illinois.
