Champaign, Illinois – A dangerous Arctic outbreak is tightening its grip on central and east-central Illinois tonight, with wind chills plunging to 25 degrees below zero and an Extreme Cold Warning in effect until noon CST Sunday.
Temperatures are falling quickly this evening as northwest winds strengthen, driving wind chills down into the -15° to -25° range overnight and early Sunday morning. The coldest conditions are expected from late tonight through mid-morning Sunday, especially east of a Bloomington–Taylorville line, including Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Decatur, Mattoon, Charleston, and Shelbyville.
According to the National Weather Service office in Lincoln, the extreme cold poses a serious health risk. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and hypothermia is possible with prolonged exposure. Even brief trips outside will require full winter protection.
Actual air temperatures will remain bitterly cold through Sunday morning, struggling to climb out of the single digits and teens by midday. Winds will gradually ease late Sunday morning, allowing wind chills to slowly improve after 10 a.m. to noon CST, when the warning is scheduled to expire.
The cold will impact travel, vehicles, and infrastructure. Batteries may fail, tire pressure can drop, and untreated surfaces may remain icy. Utilities urge residents to check heating systems and protect exposed pipes. Emergency managers recommend checking on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heat.
Officials stress safe heating practices. Space heaters should be kept away from flammable materials. Generators and grills must never be used indoors due to carbon monoxide risk. Pets should be brought indoors, and livestock provided with windbreaks and unfrozen water.
Conditions will improve gradually Sunday afternoon, but another cold night is expected before a slow moderation begins early next week.
