Springfield, Illinois – A sharp overnight chill is set to impact central Illinois within hours, with temperatures falling into the mid-20s and creating a risk of frost damage before sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, lows will drop between 25 and 30 degrees across much of central Illinois late tonight into early Saturday morning. This sudden cold snap could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation, especially in areas like Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur where early-season growth has already begun.
Daytime conditions remain cool but manageable Friday, with highs between 45 and 50 degrees under breezy skies. By Saturday afternoon, temperatures begin to rebound into the low to mid-50s, followed by a more noticeable warmup Sunday with highs reaching the low to mid-60s.
The warming trend accelerates into early next week. By Monday, much of central Illinois—including communities along I-55 and I-72—could see highs surge into the mid to upper 70s, marking a nearly 50-degree swing from the overnight lows.
Residents should cover or bring in sensitive plants tonight and take precautions against the cold.
The frost risk ends after sunrise Saturday, with a steady warmup continuing and above-normal temperatures expected to hold into early next week.
