Springfield, IL – Central Illinois heads into the holidays under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature outlook, but forecasters say the region should still prepare for periodic snow or mixed precipitation between December 20 and January 2. With Christmas and New Years falling inside this window, travel conditions may vary widely depending on storm timing and temperature swings.
According to NOAA, Central Illinois—stretching from Peoria and Bloomington to Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign—sits squarely in the EC temperature zone, meaning readings have equal odds of trending above or below normal. Even without a dominant temperature signal, late-December climatology supports snow potential, especially for areas north of I-72 and during overnight hours.
Precipitation is also forecast in an equal-chances zone, suggesting near-normal totals. At this time of year, that typically means snow for northern portions of Central Illinois and rain-to-snow or wintry mixes farther south. Forecasters say the holiday window may feature several fast-moving disturbances capable of producing light to moderate accumulations, particularly around Christmas weekend.
Communities across Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, and Decatur should expect periods of slick roads, reduced visibility, and changing precipitation types through the Dec. 20–Jan. 2 period. North-central counties may see the strongest chance for accumulating snow, raising the potential for a White Christmas if colder air aligns with incoming systems.
Farther south, including Taylorville, Effingham, and Charleston–Mattoon, mixed precipitation may be more common, though brief cold snaps could still produce accumulating snow.
Travelers are encouraged to follow updated forecasts as system-specific tracks and temperatures become clearer closer to the holiday window.
