Residents in Central Illinois should prepare for an active midweek weather pattern, with a strong system bringing showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, followed by a dip in temperatures and a risk of snow overnight into Thursday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois forecasts an 80% probability of rain and storms on Wednesday, with temperatures ranging from 68 to 71°F. Temperatures will fall dramatically into the 30s by Wednesday night, increasing the likelihood that precipitation may turn to snow early Thursday morning.
The NWS predicts that snowfall accumulation will be minimal, with a 20-40% possibility of light accumulations of up to 1 inch north of I-74. Areas further south will experience mostly rain and a substantial temperature drop, with highs struggling to reach 50°F on Thursday, a sharp contrast to earlier in the week when temperatures were anticipated to approach the 70s.
Residents should be ready for rapidly changing conditions and stay current on forecasts. Commuters may expect slick roads and poor visibility, especially if snowfall occurs in the northern regions. Travelers should verify road conditions before leaving, especially Thursday morning.
