Lincoln, Illinois – A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 AM to noon CST Monday across a large portion of central Illinois, with dangerously low wind chills expected during the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, wind chills are forecast to range from 10 below zero to as low as 20 below zero as arctic air spreads across the region overnight. The advisory covers central, west central, and east central Illinois, affecting a wide swath of the state.
Counties included in the advisory span from western Illinois into the east, including Knox, Peoria, Tazewell, McLean, Sangamon, Champaign, Vermilion, Macon, Christian, Morgan, Cass, Logan, Piatt, Douglas, Coles, Edgar, Shelby, Cumberland, and Clark, among others. Cities within the advisory area include Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, Decatur, Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Galesburg, Lincoln, Jacksonville, Mattoon, Charleston, Paris, Taylorville, and Shelbyville.
The National Weather Service warns that exposure to these wind chills could result in frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, with the risk increasing during prolonged outdoor exposure. Cold conditions may be especially hazardous for early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, children, older adults, and those without adequate heating.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, wear insulated layers, hats, and gloves, and keep pets indoors when possible. Officials also encourage residents to check on older family members and neighbors, and to use portable heaters safely. Grills and generators should never be used indoors.
For those without adequate heat or shelter, assistance is available by calling 211 or visiting 211illinois.org. Conditions are expected to improve gradually after midday Monday as wind chills moderate.
