A biting chill grips central Illinois this morning, with wind sweeping over frosty fields from Peoria to Champaign. Temperatures sit near 20°F, but wind chills dip closer to 5°F, marking another bitter start to December. Across the region, drivers face icy patches where light snow and freezing drizzle lingered from midweek, a sharp reminder that winter has fully arrived.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the Arctic air mass will hold firm through Friday, with highs barely reaching the upper 20s to low 30s. Lows will plunge into the single digits, and wind chills may approach –15°F at times, especially early Friday morning.
A pattern shift begins Saturday night, when clouds thicken and a 30% chance of snow develops. Models show potential for up to one inch of accumulation, mainly between Springfield and Champaign, creating slippery travel late Saturday into early Sunday. Even light snow could cause reduced visibility and “flash freezing” on untreated roads — especially along I-72 and Route 45.
Sunday brings a brief break from snowfall but stays cold, with highs near 27°F and a lingering breeze. Another shot of Arctic air is expected mid-next week, possibly followed by more active December 11–17 storm systems sweeping across the Midwest as holiday travel ramps up.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, protect pets, and prepare for slick spots on rural and shaded roads this weekend.
Five-Day Outlook (Champaign, IL):
- Thursday: Sunny, high 16°F, low 1°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 30°F, low 21°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 31°F, snow chance late, low 19°F.
- Sunday: 30% snow chance early, high 27°F, low 3°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F.
