CHAMPAIGN, IL – Central Illinois, including Champaign and areas along the I-70 corridor, is bracing for an intense period of very cold weather starting Wednesday night and lasting through Thursday night, with sub-zero wind chills expected.
According to the US National Weather Service Central Illinois, very cold weather will arrive in central Illinois Wednesday night, lingering through Thursday night. Wind chill temperatures will range from zero to as low as -15 below zero north of the I-70 interstate on both nights.
The city of Champaign is forecast to experience some of the coldest wind chills in the region. The lowest wind chill forecast for Wednesday night for Champaign is -10. The wind chills are expected to remain severe on Thursday night, with the lowest wind chill forecast for Champaign at -11.
Actual temperatures in the central Illinois area are expected to drop into the single digits to a few degrees below zero. The forecast emphasizes that wind chill temperatures will drop below zero for areas north of I-70 both Wednesday night and Thursday night, with actual temperatures reaching single digits to a few degrees below zero.
The Weather Service advises residents to limit exposure to outdoor temperatures, and if venturing outdoors, to wear multiple layers, including a hat and gloves. Pet owners should also bring pets inside during this dangerous cold spell.
