Illinois — The cold hits hard before sunrise, cracking through gloves and freezing breath mid-step. Streetlights glow over quiet roads as temperatures dip below zero across central Illinois.
In Champaign, wind chills are falling between 5 and 15 degrees below zero, with colder pockets possible by tonight. The National Weather Service warns that exposed skin can suffer frostbite in under 30 minutes. Even light winds sharpen the sting, especially during early commutes and morning classes.
Skies stay mostly clear today, but the air remains unforgiving. Highs struggle to reach the mid-teens. Drivers should watch for slick patches on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Any moisture left behind from earlier melting has already refrozen.
A small window for light snow develops later today into the evening. Chances remain near 20 percent, with accumulations minor if flakes fall at all. Another round of light snow becomes possible Sunday evening into early Monday, again light but enough to reduce visibility briefly. Plan extra time if traveling after sunset.
Saturday offers little relief. Sunshine returns, yet highs stay near 19 degrees. Wind chills hover below zero during the morning hours. Conditions improve slightly Sunday as highs climb into the low 20s, though the cold remains persistent.
By Monday and Tuesday, clouds increase and temperatures edge closer to 30 degrees. That gradual warmup raises another concern. Melting snow during the day can refreeze at night, creating classic flash-freeze conditions on local roads and bridges.
Meteorologists continue tracking the broader Arctic pattern. With cold air locked over the Midwest and the Great Lakes heavily iced, winter keeps its grip as February begins.
Five-Day Outlook: Champaign, IL
• Today: Mostly sunny, high near 15
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 19
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 21
• Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 29
• Tuesday: Chance of snow, high near 30
