Illinois starts the morning under a pale winter sky, where light flakes drift and the cold cuts sharply across open ground. Breath fogs instantly, car doors resist opening, and sidewalks feel stiff beneath each step.
Central Illinois remains under hazardous winter conditions this morning. According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, wind chills are dropping into the 10 below to 15 below zero range across much of the region. These values pose a frostbite risk with prolonged exposure and make early travel uncomfortable and potentially slick.
In Lincoln, Champaign, and surrounding communities, temperatures hover near 5 degrees with northwest winds adding bite. Spotty flurries continue at times, especially northeast of the Macomb-to-Mattoon line. Snow accumulations remain minor, limited to a few tenths of an inch, but even light snow can reduce traction on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Attention shifts toward Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. The National Weather Service reports a 40 to 50 percent chance of measurable snow across central Illinois. Most locations stay under one inch, but light snow may still impact travel during evening hours. Visibility could briefly drop during snow showers, especially on rural highways and frontage roads.
Sunday stays cold despite partial sunshine, with highs near the lower 20s. Winds ease slightly, but wind chills remain uncomfortable. Plan extra time if traveling late day and watch for slick spots after sunset.
Monday brings a brief improvement as highs reach near 30 degrees. Some melting is expected during daylight hours, followed by renewed flash-freeze risk after dark. Side streets and sidewalks may refreeze quickly.
Looking toward the first week of February, colder-than-normal temperatures persist. Another system may arrive Tuesday, bringing a higher snow potential, though exact impacts remain uncertain. Winter remains firmly in control across central Illinois.
How did the cold feel where you stepped outside this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Central Illinois
• Today: Flurries possible, very cold; highs near 21
• Sunday: Chance snow; highs near 22
• Monday: Mostly cloudy; highs near 30
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, colder; highs near 27
• Wednesday: Partly sunny; highs near 25
