Springfield, Illinois – Central Illinois will see one final taste of mild January weather Tuesday before a strong cold front ushers in falling temperatures, gusty winds, and periodic snow chances through the end of the week.
Springfield and much of central Illinois are expected to warm into the upper 40s to mid-50s Tuesday, making it the mildest day of the week. Clouds will increase through the afternoon as winds turn breezy, signaling an approaching system that will end the brief warm spell.
According to the National Weather Service in Central Illinois, a cold front will move southward through the region Tuesday night. Light rain is possible late this evening into the overnight hours, mainly between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., before colder air begins to spill in behind the front.
Wednesday will feel dramatically different. Morning temperatures will start in the 30s, but readings are expected to fall through the day as brisk northwest winds gust between 30 and 35 mph. Highs will be reached early, with afternoon temperatures dropping into the lower 30s. Snow flurries may develop at times, though little accumulation is expected during the day.
Colder air settles in Wednesday night, with lows falling into the teens. From Thursday night through Saturday, occasional chances for light snow could bring minor accumulations, especially during overnight periods. Daytime highs during this stretch will generally remain in the 20s and lower 30s.
The coldest conditions arrive Saturday night. Forecast lows are expected to fall into the single digits, with wind chills dropping below zero across much of central Illinois. Frostbite risk increases during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions Wednesday, secure loose outdoor items ahead of strong winds, and plan for winter driving conditions later in the week. While snowfall totals appear light, cold temperatures and wind will be the primary hazards as winter fully reasserts itself across central Illinois.
