Peoria, Illinois – Seasonal winter temperatures are expected across central Illinois through the end of the week, with the best chance for precipitation arriving late Wednesday into Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, daytime highs will generally range from the upper 20s to upper 30s through Friday, with overnight lows dipping into the teens and 20s. Conditions will remain typical for late December, with no major winter storms expected.
Forecasters say the best chance for precipitation will occur late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening, when there is approximately a 30 percent chance of snow north of Interstate 74. Areas south of I-74 are expected to remain mostly dry during this period.
Tuesday will feature partly cloudy skies with highs between 28 and 33 degrees, followed by colder overnight lows near 26 to 28 degrees. Wednesday is forecast to be slightly milder, with highs in the mid-30s to upper 30s, before temperatures cool again Thursday.
Wind chills early this morning dropped into the single digits and near zero in parts of western and northern Illinois, including areas near Galesburg and Pontiac. While winds are expected to ease later today, chilly mornings will continue through midweek.
Thursday is expected to be cooler, with highs returning to the mid-20s to low 30s, before temperatures rebound again on Friday, when highs may reach the upper 30s to low 40s under partly cloudy skies.
While snowfall amounts are expected to remain light if snow develops, motorists should be alert for brief slick spots, particularly during evening and overnight hours. Bridges and overpasses may become icy where temperatures drop below freezing.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts midweek, especially those traveling north of I-74, and to dress appropriately for cold morning conditions. The latest forecast information is available at weather.gov/ilx.
