Illinois drivers are navigating a wall of gray this morning as patchy dense fog blankets much of central Illinois. Streetlights glow in a hazy halo across Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign. In some spots, visibility drops below one-quarter mile, and at times it may fall near zero.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, dense fog formed over the last several hours and will impact travel through the early morning hours. Rapid visibility changes are occurring over short distances. One stretch of I-55 or I-74 may look clear, while the next exit disappears into thick fog.
Drivers across Sangamon, McLean, Champaign, Macon, and surrounding counties should slow down immediately if visibility drops. Use low beam headlights, not high beams. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden braking. Conditions can deteriorate quickly before sunrise.
The fog is expected to gradually thin later this morning as daylight increases and mixing improves. Until then, expect hazardous travel on highways and rural roads alike. School bus routes and early commuters may see the worst conditions.
Looking ahead, milder February air continues to build into President’s Day week. Highs trend above normal into the 40s and 50s across central Illinois through midweek. However, this time of year also brings the risk of slick spots if moisture lingers and temperatures dip near freezing before sunrise.
For now, the immediate concern is visibility. If you’re heading out in Springfield, Decatur, or Champaign this morning, are you seeing dense fog in your neighborhood?
