The first true Arctic blast of December has settled over central Illinois, locking in bitter cold and a chance for light snow midweek. Morning frost sparkles across fields, and the air feels sharp and biting — the kind that freezes your breath on contact.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, highs today will only reach the mid-20s, with lows tonight dipping into the upper teens. Clouds will dominate most of the day, but a temporary warm-up Wednesday could push temperatures into the upper 30s before a strong cold front sweeps through.
That front brings the next round of light snow, mainly from I-72 northward Wednesday afternoon into evening. A dusting to an inch is possible — just enough to coat roads and reduce visibility for the late-day commute. Farther north, isolated slick spots could develop along I-55 and I-74 corridors as temperatures fall quickly after sunset.
Behind the system, Arctic air floods in again. By early Thursday morning, wind chills drop to between -15°F and -5°F north of I-70, marking one of the coldest starts of the season. Thursday stays frigid, with highs struggling to reach the mid-20s despite sunshine.
The cold lingers into Friday morning, followed by a brief weekend rebound with highs in the mid-30s. However, forecasters are already tracking another chance of light snow Saturday night into Sunday, signaling winter’s grip tightening across Illinois.
Residents are urged to bundle up, protect pets and pipes, and use caution on untreated roads. Even light snow could hide slick patches during the commute.
How cold is it feeling where you are this morning? Share your temperature readings or frost photos as Illinois braces for a long stretch of early December chill.
