Lincoln, IL – Strong fall winds are sweeping across central Illinois today, marking the start of a cooler, breezy stretch that will bring the season’s first areas of frost by midweek. West winds will gust as high as 40 mph this afternoon before gradually easing tonight.
According to the National Weather Service office in Lincoln, breezy conditions will continue Wednesday with gusts up to 30 mph before calmer air arrives overnight. Once the winds subside, radiational cooling will set the stage for cold nights Wednesday and Thursday, with lows dipping into the mid-30s. Patchy frost is expected across much of the region, especially in rural and low-lying areas near Bloomington, Springfield, and Decatur.
Highs will remain slightly below normal for several days, generally ranging from the upper 50s to mid-60s. According to forecasters, clear skies and light winds will dominate through Thursday, making ideal conditions for fall harvest work and outdoor activities—though residents are advised to cover sensitive plants or bring potted vegetation indoors ahead of the frost potential.
By Friday, clouds will increase as a new system approaches from the Plains, bringing the next chance of rain by late evening. Light showers are expected to linger through portions of the weekend, though temperatures should hold steady in the upper 50s to low 60s.
This week’s shift marks a noticeable move toward late-fall weather across Illinois, with cooler nights, gusty afternoons, and an early taste of frost signaling the change of seasons.
