SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A pair of cold fronts will shake up Central Illinois weather through the end of the week, bringing breezy warmth followed by rain and a sharp weekend cooldown. The National Weather Service in Lincoln reports that southwest winds up to 25 mph will gust across the region Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the first front, keeping highs in the 60s.
According to the Weather Service, rain becomes likely Thursday night into Friday morning as the second front crosses the area. Scattered showers will taper from west to east by midday Friday, followed by cooler and drier air settling in for the weekend. Afternoon highs Friday will reach the mid-60s before falling sharply Saturday and Sunday, when morning lows are expected to dip into the upper 20s and 30s.
Saturday will feature clearing skies and brisk northwest winds, with highs near the mid-50s. By Sunday, conditions turn noticeably colder but remain mostly sunny — a true November feel after several mild, windy days.
Motorists should watch for slick roads early Friday and secure outdoor decorations ahead of gusty winds. Cooler air will linger into early next week, with daytime highs struggling to reach the 40s in some northern counties by Monday.
