Temperatures in the single digits greet Central Illinoisans, light snowfall expected
CHICAGO – Central Illinoisans woke up to freezing temperatures Thursday morning with light snow expected to fall starting in the afternoon as well.
It's a very cold start to Thursday morning, with temperatures in the teens or single digits, and wind chill values ranging from about 5 above to 5 below zero. Bundle up if you're heading out this morning! #ILwx pic.twitter.com/pBqmg4oXNK
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 12, 2024
Light snow is expected to develop (mainly near/north of I-72) by late morning or midday, and continue into the afternoon. This could result in slippery road conditions for the evening commute. Temperatures will be cold today, but gradually warm into the weekend. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/WyvLFDsfLr
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 12, 2024
Even though snow fall is predicted to be less than an inch, the National Weather Service is warning drivers to be cautious while driving during the evening commute.
The Illinois State Police also reported “multiple crashes and slides off across I-72/I-74/I-57 in Macon, Piatt, and Champaign Counties due to slippery driving conditions caused by snow” and is urging drivers to “please slow down and take your time.”
Light snow is expected late morning through early evening, resulting in minor snow accumulations. While many locations will receive less than 1" of snow, a narrow band of 1 to 2" is possible. Slippery road conditions are possible during the evening commute! #ILwx pic.twitter.com/xOHUdjpeEX
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 12, 2024
Temperatures are expected to creep back up on Friday and the weekend with a chance of light rain.
Temperatures turn much colder tonight with wind chills dipping down near or below zero through Thursday morning. A few chances for precipitation will be seen through the weekend, with a narrow band of light snow on Thursday and a rain system Friday night into Saturday. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/FonMeevM4g
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 11, 2024
Meteorologists: Light snow and bitter cold to continue this week
Snow and low temperatures are expected this week in central Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.
First snow of fall underway but you will not need a shovel
Central Illinoisans can expect some snow mixed with rain and low wind chills Thursday afternoon and into the evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Peoria, Champaign, Danville, and several other cities across central and southern Illinois. Wind chills range from the upper teens to 20’s in the morning and advises drivers to be cautious while on the road.
It sure is cold out there this morning. 🥶 Wind chills range from the upper teens to 20s just after 9 am. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/KyBiX54iiE
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) November 21, 2024
Strong northwest winds will occur this afternoon through this evening. Winds will be 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph possible across all of central and southeast Illinois. Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles, especially on north-south roadways. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/vfHriBljeW
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) November 21, 2024
Snow is expected in the afternoon in northeastern parts of central and eastern Illinois. Northern Vermilion County may receive 1-2 inches.
Accumulating snow is expected this afternoon in northeastern portions of central and eastern Illinois. Highest amounts of 1-2 inches is possible across northern parts of Vermilion County, though the probabilities of this is only around 50%. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/GHCSRsg75T
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) November 21, 2024
Windy weather and cold temperatures will continue the next couple days, with Thursday being the coldest and windiest.
Windy and cool weather will continue the next couple days, with today being the coldest and windiest. Scattered snow showers, mixed with rain, will occur this afternoon across areas east of a Bloomington to Robinson line. Light accumulations are possible on grassy areas. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/TTiA9Ac4eo
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) November 21, 2024
I-74 reopens after massive field fire
OGDEN -A large and smoky farm field fire shut down I-74 east of Urbana for several hours Tuesday afternoon.
Heavy smoke obstructed the view for dozens of drivers in an area between St. Joseph and Fithian.
IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard said from the scene that Tuesday’s strong winds in central Illinois helped the fire spread quickly.
“At times as the fire moved through these corn crops that have not been harvested, the flames have been very tall-in some cases maybe 10-15 feet tall moving very quickly from south to north, so at times very intense fire conditions out here. “
Firefighters and farmers were able to take out most of the flames after a couple of hours, and I-74 was reopened to traffic in the late afternoon.
There were reports of two other field fires Tuesday in Iroquois County and Pritchard said hot, dry and windy conditions may continue the risk of fires Wednesday. The National Weather Service also issued a warning about the risk of fires reoccurring due to high winds.
Southwest winds gusting near 40 mph and very dry fuels will bring elevated risk for the spread of outdoor fire again today. Burning is discouraged! #ILwx pic.twitter.com/2cxkOTVTQF
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) October 30, 2024
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.