Weather

Snow ends in central Illinois, prepare now for dangerous cold

Updated Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.

After several new inches of snow fell yesterday, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois has canceled a Winter Weather Advisory. Meteorologists warn that Tuesday morning’s commute could still be slick due to the new snow and some patchy freezing fog. 

Click here for delays, closings and e-learning day announcements.

Click here for winter road conditions.

Meanwhile, the coldest air of the season will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday nights. From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard:

Wind chill temperatures will range from zero to as low as 15 below zero north of I-70 both nights, with actual temperatures in the single digits to a few degrees below zero. You’re advised to limit exposure to outdoor temperatures, and bring pets inside. If you venture outdoors, wear multiple layers, including hat and gloves.

 

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Updated Monday at 6:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Central Illinois said light to moderate snow has led to snow-covered, slippery roads this evening. Snowfall rates ranged from half to 1 inch per hour.

From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard about tonight’s weather: winds won’t be a major factor, but some blowing and drifting will still be possible (especially in open/rural areas) given the light and fluffy nature of the incoming snow. Snow will be steady and moderate through the evening commute, tapering off after Midnight.

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Updated Monday at 4:06 p.m.
Snow fall has begun.

Light to moderate snow is falling across the area late this afternoon. Expect low visibility and snow-covered, slippery roads, especially during the evening commute. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/GC50JXhpMe

— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 1, 2025

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Updated Monday at 8:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of central and west central Illinois from today at noon until Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Total snow accumulations between 2-5 inches are expected. 

Here’s a breakdown of the forecast from IPM Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard:

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Updated Sunday at 10:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says freezing fog is possible after midnight on Monday for parts of central Illinois. Freezing fog happens when water droplets freeze instantly on surfaces like vehicles, trees, sidewalks and road surfaces. It can cause black ice on roadways, which can cause hazardous road conditions. Meteorologists advise drivers to be alert for slick spots during the Monday morning drive to work and school.

Click here for the latest winter road conditions in Illinois.

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Updated Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Another, weaker storm system will track across the Midwest on Monday – Monday night (Dec 1) bringing another coating of light, powdery snow to central Illinois. Right now, it looks like 1-3″ of new fluffy snow is likely across Champaign County by Tuesday morning.

Snow removal operations and ordinances underway

• City of Champaign: On Saturday, the Public Works Director declared that the sidewalk snow and ice removal requirement in the Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown areas is in effect. To make the sidewalks safer for pedestrians, City Ordinance requires sidewalks to be cleared 24 hours after the Public Works Director’s declaration. Sidewalks must maintain a path the width of the sidewalk or 48 inches, whichever is less.  If an owner has property at a corner, the ramps must also be cleared to maintain a path from block to block.  Sidewalks not in compliance could be cleared by the City at the owner’s expense.  
   
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign:  According to a university-wide email, the 300-member Facilities & Services team began around-the-clock shifts to clear more than 90 miles of sidewalks, 23 miles of roadways, 16,000 parking spaces and entrances to more than 200 university buildings. 

The new accumulations will add to the 5 to 12 inches of snow that fell in Central Illinois on Saturday. The National Weather Service in Lincoln said the winter storm made for one of the most prolific late November snowfalls on record. Daily snowfall records were broken in Lincoln, Peoria and Springfield. The capital city received nearly nine inches of snow on Saturday. 

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Updated Sunday at 3:30 a.m.

URBANA – A winter storm affected much of Illinois on Saturday, especially north of I-70, with moderate to heavy snow mixing with or changing to rain before diminishing by Sunday morning. Forecasters expect more snow on Monday.

The National Weather Service in Central Illinois reported several cities set daily records for snowfall, including:

• In Peoria, 5.2 inches of snow fell on Saturday, breaking the old record of .8 inches set in 1937.
• In Lincoln,  7.8 inches of snow fell on Saturday, breaking the old record of 6.0 inches set in 1942.
• In Springfield, 8.9 inches of snow fell on Saturday, breaking the old record of 2.9 inches set in 1964.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, another period of snow will develop on Monday evening with a few inches possible. Cold temperatures will prevail through Friday with highs in the 20s to lower 30s. Lows in the low to mid 20s tonight, and teens from Monday night through Wednesday night, with single digits for lows north of I-72 on Wednesday night.

According to the Associated Press, the storm dumped more than 8 inches of snow on northern Iowa by Saturday morning, and at least that much was expected in Chicago, elsewhere in Illinois, and in Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

The snow was also a factor in the Fighting Illini football team’s first November night game in the 101-year history of Gies Memorial Stadium, according to the Associated Press. The field was covered with snow during the first half, and the wind howled all night. Fans sat only on the west side of the stadium because of the day-long heavy snowfall.