Illinois greets the morning wrapped in sharp cold, with headlights cutting through pockets of fog across central counties. Frost glints on windshields, and visibility can change quickly along rural roads near and north of I-74.
The National Weather Service in Lincoln warns of patchy freezing fog developing late tonight into early Wednesday, mainly across west-central Illinois. Where fog settles, slick spots may form on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads. Drivers heading out early should slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
Conditions improve during the day Wednesday as sunshine breaks through. Afternoon temperatures rise into the upper 30s, offering a brief December thaw. Still, shaded roads may stay icy longer than expected.
Attention then turns to Thursday, when a stronger system moves in. Rain arrives early, then colder air filters south. Meteorologists are watching for a possible rain-to-snow changeover, especially later Thursday and Thursday night. Accumulations appear light for now, but timing could impact evening travel.
Wind becomes the bigger story. Gusts could exceed 30 mph, making roads feel colder and travel difficult for high-profile vehicles. Blowing snow remains possible if precipitation lingers as temperatures fall.
By Friday morning, colder air locks back in. Highs hover near the upper 20s, and any leftover moisture may refreeze, increasing black ice risk. This pattern signals a clear winter transition as December travel ramps up across Illinois.
The weekend looks quieter but seasonably cold. Skies turn partly sunny Saturday, with highs rebounding into the mid-40s before cooling again Sunday.
5-Day Outlook for Central Illinois
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 38
- Thursday: Rain, windy; rain/snow possible late, high near 49
- Friday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 29
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 45
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 37
