The bitter cold is making its way back to Central Illinois this weekend.
Wind chills in the single digits can be expected Wednesday night with lows in the mid-teens, according to the National Weather Service. Snow is likely for Thursday night and will likely produce a dusting to over an inch throughout Central and Southeast Illinois. Another chance for light snow is expected Friday night. Much colder weather will arrive over the weekend, with periods of below zero wind chills, highs in the upper teens to mid 20’s, and lows in the single digits to lower teens.
Wind chills are likely to drop below zero at times from Saturday into early next week. This will cause a risk of hypothermia and frostbite with extended exposure, the National Weather Service said. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers and cover all exposed skin, have an emergency supply kit with jumper cables, extra clothing, and blankets in the car, and bring pets indoors.
Cold weather arrives today in central IL, then even colder by the weekend. Snow likely Thursday night, and possible again Friday night. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/udnsQXrFL4
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 14, 2026
Light snow likely Thursday night in central and southeast IL. Accumulations could exceed an inch, especially northeast of a Galesburg to Springfield to Mattoon line. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/dkzPqbE9Px
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 14, 2026