Lincoln, Illinois — Central Illinois will catch a short break from the cold through midweek before another surge of bitter air settles in by the weekend, bringing sharply colder temperatures and renewed cold stress across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, temperatures will briefly moderate today and Wednesday, with highs climbing into the upper 20s and lower 30s under breezy conditions. That improvement will be short-lived as colder air pushes back into the state late Thursday, setting the stage for much colder conditions heading into Friday and the weekend.
Daytime highs are expected to fall into the teens by Friday and Saturday, with overnight lows dropping into the single digits and possibly below zero in some areas. Wind chills could dip well below zero, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Light snow chances appear limited, though a small chance for snow develops Saturday as the colder air deepens. Even minor snowfall could worsen road conditions given the expected cold pavement temperatures.
Residents are urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions by protecting pets, checking heating systems, and limiting time outdoors during the coldest periods. Additional cold weather statements or advisories may be issued as the weekend approaches.
Five Day Forecast for Central Illinois:
Tuesday: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs upper 20s to low 30s
Wednesday: Slightly milder, highs near 30, clouds increasing
Thursday: Turning colder, highs mainly in the 20s
Friday: Bitter cold returns, highs in the teens, strong wind chills
Saturday: Very cold with a chance of light snow, highs single digits to teens
