Peoria, Illinois – Bitter cold conditions will continue across central Illinois through the upcoming weekend, with overnight wind chills well below zero before a gradual warming trend develops early next week.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Central Illinois, temperatures will remain well below normal through Sunday, with overnight and early morning wind chills frequently dropping into the single digits below zero to as cold as 15 degrees below zero in some locations. The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight to early morning hours, particularly Friday and Saturday mornings.
Daytime highs through Saturday will generally remain in the teens to low 20s, offering little relief from the cold. Areas along major travel corridors such as I-55, I-74, I-72, and I-39 will experience similar conditions, with exposed areas feeling especially harsh due to persistent light winds.
Forecasters note a low chance of light snow today across southeast Illinois, mainly south of Interstate 70, though any accumulation is expected to be minimal. Another area-wide chance of light snow is possible Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, but probabilities remain low at this time and significant impacts are not anticipated.
Wind chills are expected to moderate slowly Sunday night into Monday, with highs climbing into the upper 20s and low 30s early next week. Despite the improvement, officials caution that cold mornings will still be possible before temperatures return closer to seasonal averages.
The National Weather Service urges residents to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Frostbite can occur quickly when wind chills fall below zero. Drivers should also be mindful of cold-related vehicle issues, including weak batteries and low tire pressure.
This stretch of cold weather may be particularly impactful for early-morning commuters, students waiting for buses, and outdoor workers across the region.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service as snow chances and temperature trends become clearer in the days ahead.
