Lincoln, IL – A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to sweep across Central Illinois today, bringing light snow and a major drop in temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln.
Forecasters say a cold front moving through the region Wednesday afternoon will trigger light snow showers, mainly north of Interstate 70, where up to an inch of accumulation is possible. Highs will reach only the lower to mid-30s before much colder air settles in tonight.
By Thursday morning, temperatures will plunge into the single digits, with wind chills dropping below zero north of I-70 and near zero to -5°F south of I-70. Thursday’s highs will stay between 15 and 26 degrees, marking one of the coldest days of the season so far.
The NWS warns that Friday morning could bring even colder conditions, with air temperatures ranging from single digits to a few degrees below zero and wind chills as low as -15°F. Drivers and early morning commuters are urged to dress warmly, use caution on slick roads, and check on vulnerable individuals and pets.
Conditions are expected to improve slightly over the weekend, though highs will remain chilly — generally in the upper 20s to mid-30s. Another weak system could bring light snow chances Saturday night into Sunday, especially north of the I-70 corridor.
Residents should prepare for extended periods of cold and continue to monitor NWS updates for any additional advisories or wind chill alerts.
