Danville, IL – Residents along the Illinois–Indiana border should prepare for slick evening travel and dangerous cold tonight as a fast-moving system brings light snow, patchy freezing drizzle, and subzero wind chills, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Lincoln and Indianapolis.
Forecasters say light snow will develop this afternoon and continue into the evening for much of central, east-central, and west-central Illinois. While accumulations are expected to remain under an inch, the NWS reports that pockets of freezing drizzle could mix in at times, creating slick spots on roads during the evening commute. Similar conditions are expected across central Indiana tonight, with a trace to half an inch of snowfall possible from Lafayette to Indianapolis.
According to the NWS, temperatures will fall into the single digits — and in some areas slightly below zero — overnight. Wind chills along the Illinois–Indiana line are expected to dip from zero to as low as 15 below. The cold will return Thursday night, again producing near or below zero wind chills across both states.
Meteorologists say this week’s chill marks the coldest stretch so far this season, and another chance for light snow is possible Sunday into Sunday night for portions of Illinois and Indiana.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed tonight, especially on bridges and untreated surfaces where freezing drizzle may quickly create icy patches. Spotter activation is not anticipated in Illinois, though Indiana spotters are asked to report any snowfall totals.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors as temperatures fall sharply after sunset.
