Illinois – Cold air presses hard across central Illinois this morning, stinging faces and stiffening hands within minutes. Pavement looks dry now, but the quiet cold hides a growing threat as temperatures slide lower and winds sharpen.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from early Friday through Saturday afternoon. Wind chills between 10 and 25 below zero are expected across much of central, east-central, and west-central Illinois. Frostbite could occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Conditions remain dry today, but clouds thicken as the cold deepens. Gusty winds will push wind chills lower by evening, especially in open areas around Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, and Bloomington. Drivers should prepare for slick patches after sunset as any melted moisture refreezes quickly, a classic setup for flash freezing on bridges and ramps.
Snow chances increase as the weekend approaches. Light snow could develop Saturday, with higher probabilities Saturday night into Sunday. There is roughly a 60 percent chance snowfall exceeds two inches in parts of central Illinois. Even modest accumulation may create outsized travel impacts due to the bitter cold and reduced road treatment effectiveness.
Temperatures struggle to climb through the weekend, with daytime highs staying in the teens. Wind chills remain hazardous, and outdoor plans should be limited. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and keep vehicles stocked with winter essentials if travel is unavoidable.
Cold conditions linger into early next week, though winds ease slightly. Additional advisories may be issued as snow chances evolve.
Stepping outside today—how long did it take before the cold chased you back in?
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 32
- Friday: Cold and mostly sunny, high near 5
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high near 11
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 15
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 13
