The Illinois Weather Podcast

Your evening Illinois weather update In Error calling anthropic, error code: 404 - {'type': 'error', 'error': {'type': 'not_found_error', 'message': 'model: claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022'}, 'request_id': 'req_011CZBYdAAN2a1eTJg3SXW2R'} See you tomorrow.

Your evening Illinois weather update Step outside right now and that 43 degrees feels like spring knocked on the door early. But don't get too comfortable, we're about to take a wild ride. Tonight, clouds roll in and temperatures ease down, chicago settles at 35 degrees.

Your midday Illinois weather update That light dusting of snow you saw this morning? Last night's clipper left just enough to remind you it's still March — maybe half an inch north of I-72, nothing south.

Your morning Illinois weather update Step outside right now and you'll understand what 25 degrees with 30 mile an hour winds actually does to a human body. Wind chills are sitting near zero across Chicagoland, we picked up over an inch of snow overnight. And it's still coming down as I'm recording this. 📍 Keywords: Illinois weather | morning forecast | morning weather update | IL weather forecast | Illinois | March weather

Your evening Illinois weather update If you stepped outside today, you felt that rain, over half an inch in the last 24 hours. But here's where it gets wild, that rain is about to turn violent, then freeze solid. 📍 Keywords: evening weather update | evening forecast | IL weather forecast | March weather | Illinois | Illinois weather

Your evening Illinois weather update Step outside right now and you're feeling 58 degrees with muggy air, enjoy it while you can. Because what's coming is violent. A powerful storm system is bearing down on Illinois. 📍 Keywords: IL weather forecast | Illinois | evening weather update | Illinois weather | evening forecast | March weather

Your midday Illinois weather update We've got a monster storm system about to put Illinois through the weather wringer. Right now, those south winds are absolutely screaming — gusting near 50 miles an hour. 📍 Keywords: midday forecast | March weather | Illinois | Illinois weather | IL weather forecast | midday weather update

Your morning Illinois weather update Talk about a weather identity crisis. We're about to run through all four seasons in a single day. First up, the spring tease, down in Central Illinois, you're basking in 66 degrees. 📍 Keywords: Illinois weather | morning forecast | March weather | IL weather forecast | Illinois | morning weather update

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. We're catching our breath after a wild stretch, the sun rose at 7:05 this morning. And we're gaining nearly 3 minutes of daylight every day now. Step outside and you'll feel a calm, gray day with temperatures sitting in the 30s and 40s under overcast skies. We picked up a quick three tenths of an inch of snow overnight, but that was just the opening act. Here comes the main event, a significant storm is taking shape for Sunday. You'll see a wild temperature split today, down in Central Illinois, highs will reach the lower 60s. Up north near Rockford, you'll struggle to get out of the mid 30s. Everyone feels the wind pick up from the southeast, gusting over 25 miles an hour at times. As the sun sets. Tonight, clouds thicken statewide, showers develop after midnight in Central Illinois. Temperatures stay mild, with lows in the 40s south and 30s north. Sunday brings the impactful weather, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 A.M. To 9 P.M. For gusts up to 50 miles an hour. There's a risk of severe storms Sunday afternoon, mainly east of Interstate 55. The main threat is damaging winds, highs will be warm, hitting 64 in Springfield and 56 in Chicago. Then, a sharp cold front sweeps through Sunday evening. This is where the drama ramps up, rain changes to snow from west to east Sunday night. The Northwest corner could see 3 to 5 inches of accumulation. A Blizzard Warning is in effect for far Northwest Illinois starting Sunday evening. Winds shift to the northwest and howl, gusting over 45 miles an hour. This will create significant blowing snow and hazardous travel for the Monday morning commute. Monday stays brutal. Highs crash into the 20s, with wind chills near zero, the snow tapers off, but the blowing snow continues in open areas. Tuesday brings a frigid morning, with lows in the single digits north and teens south. Highs only reach the middle 20s. A quick clipper system might bring a fresh dusting of snow Tuesday night. Looking ahead. Looking at the week ahead, the pattern flips quickly, while wednesday rebounds to the upper 40s. By Thursday and Friday. Here comes sunshine and highs near 60 degrees, with that's a 30-degree warm-up in just 3 days. Charge your phones and fill up the gas tank before tonight. — See you tomorrow.

Advisory in effect. evening Thu Mar 12th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Thu Mar 12th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Thu Mar 12th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect for northern and central Illinois. morning Thu Mar 12th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect for northern and central Illinois. morning Thu Mar 12th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

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Advisory in effect. evening Wed Mar 11th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

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Advisory in effect. midday Wed Mar 11th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. morning Wed Mar 11th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. morning Wed Mar 11th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

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Advisory in effect. evening Tue Mar 10th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Tue Mar 10th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Tue Mar 10th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Step outside and you'll feel 57 degrees. Unseasonably warm. And about to get dangerous. We're tracking a severe weather outbreak this afternoon. Central Illinois is sitting in the bullseye — dewpoints climbing into the mid 60s, highs pushing 80 degrees. That's near-record territory for early March, springfield could tie its all-time high of 80 set back in 1955. But that warmth comes with a price. Starting around 6 P.M., thunderstorms fire up near the Illinois River. These storms mean business — large hail over 2 inches, damaging winds. And tornadoes. Some could be strong, EF2 or higher, there's an Enhanced Risk north of Springfield. South of that line, it's a Slight Risk. As the sun sets. Central Illinois sees mostly sunny skies this morning, then a 20 percent chance of storms after 4 P.M. High near 80. Tonight, those storms ramp up — 90 percent chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Low drops to 50. Chicagoland gets patchy fog this morning, then a 40 percent chance of severe storms this afternoon and evening. High only reaches 53 as cooler air filters in, tonight, storms continue with heavy rain likely. Low around 40. Northern Illinois mirrors that pattern — fog early, storms by late afternoon. High near 54. Tonight, thunderstorms likely. Low falls to 37. Wednesday brings cleanup. Rain and possibly wet snow showers taper off. Highs range from 41 in Chicago to 62 in Central Illinois before temperatures crash. Winds gust to 35 miles an hour. Thursday turns sunny with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s, friday brings another round of rain. The weekend stays unsettled with rain and possibly snow by Sunday as much colder air plunges in. Stay weather-aware this afternoon and evening, have multiple ways to receive warnings. Heavy rain could also cause localized flooding. Looking ahead. See you this afternoon.

Advisory in effect. evening Mon Mar 9th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. evening Mon Mar 9th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Mon Mar 9th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Advisory in effect. midday Mon Mar 9th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Step outside right now. You're at 44 degrees. And we're just getting started. Today brings the kind of warmth that makes you forget it's still winter. Sunshine floods the state as temperatures surge to 72 degrees in Chicago with breezy southwest winds gusting to 30 miles an hour. Northern Illinois hits 71. Central Illinois steals the show — Decatur and Springfield climb to 76 degrees, threatening records set back in 1925. That's nearly 20 degrees warmer than usual for early March. Tonight stays mild. Lows only drop to the upper 40s to near 60 degrees. Warmer than some March afternoons. But here's where things flip. Tuesday afternoon brings serious weather. The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — level 3 of 5 — for severe thunderstorms across northern Illinois. Storms fire up after 1 P.M. Tuesday, capable of producing large hail over 2 inches, damaging winds. And tornadoes. Central Illinois hits near 80 degrees before storms arrive. Northern areas stay cooler behind a morning cold front with highs in the low 60s. Heavy rain spreads statewide Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Totals could exceed an inch, with localized amounts near 2 inches. Flash flooding is a concern. Wednesday brings lingering rain and cooler air — highs in the mid 40s to low 60s. Thursday clears out nicely near 50 degrees. Another round of rain arrives Friday, followed by an unsettled weekend with possible rain and snow mix. Enjoy today's warmth, but keep an eye on Tuesday. Storms could be strong. See you this afternoon.

Advisory in effect. morning Mon Mar 9th, 2026 Illinois forecast.

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Step outside right now and you'll feel 47 degrees with clearing skies. That overnight rain? Gone. But this is just the opening act. Today brings pure sunshine with highs hitting 60 degrees across Chicago and the northern tier. Central Illinois pushes to 64. Southwest winds gust to 30 miles an hour, so hold onto your hat. Tonight stays mild — lows only dip to the mid-40s statewide. Monday cranks up the heat. Chicago hits 69 degrees. Central Illinois? Here comes 74. That's well above normal for early March. Those southwest winds keep gusting to 25 miles an hour. But Tuesday brings the drama. Central Illinois could hit 79 degrees — flirting with the 80-degree record at Springfield. Northern areas reach the low 70s. Then the storms arrive. Showers and thunderstorms develop by afternoon with a 60 to 70 percent chance statewide. Some could turn severe. Heavy rain is likely — 1 to 2 inches possible, with localized heavier amounts. Wednesday flips the script. Morning storms continue, then a cold front crashes through. Rain may mix with snow as temperatures plummet. By Thursday, we're back to reality — highs only in the mid-40s to around 50. Mostly sunny, but feeling like a different season. Friday brings another system with rain and snow mixing in. The weekend stays unsettled with more precipitation chances Saturday night into Sunday. One more thing — clocks spring forward tonight. You lose an hour of sleep, but we gain daylight. Spring equinox is just 12 days away. Enjoy the warmth while it lasts. See you this evening.

Illinois weather update for midday

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. If you stepped outside early, you felt that damp chill hanging around from yesterday's rain. But. Those clouds are already breaking apart. And sunshine takes over by mid-morning. Today's warming trend is impressive. Chicago climbs to 61 degrees. Central Illinois hits 65 under full sunshine. Northern areas reach 61. Southwest winds gust to 30 miles an hour in Chicago and the north — hold onto your hats. Tonight stays mild, settling near 45 to 47 degrees statewide. Monday cranks up the heat even more. Chicago hits 68. Central Illinois pushes to 74. Northern areas reach 69. That's well above normal for early March. Sunshine dominates. And those southwest winds keep gusting to 25 miles an hour. Tuesday is where things get serious. We're flirting with record territory — Chicago could hit 60, but central Illinois pushes toward 79 degrees. The catch? Severe thunderstorms develop Tuesday afternoon into evening. The National Weather Service is highlighting an Enhanced Risk north of Springfield. All severe hazards are on the table — damaging winds, large hail. And tornadoes possible. Heavy rain likely too, with totals reaching one to two inches in spots. Behind that system. Wednesday turns stormy and much cooler. Showers and thunderstorms continue, with rain possibly mixing with snow by evening as temperatures crash. Chicago tops out near 49. Central Illinois hits 63. Northern areas reach 45. Lows Wednesday night plunge to the upper 20s. Thursday through the weekend brings quieter weather with highs in the 40s to low 50s. Another system may bring rain or snow chances next weekend. Keep an eye on Tuesday's forecast updates. This could get active. See you this afternoon.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Wake up to a damp, mild start. But don’t get too comfortable. That 59-degree reading you’re seeing? It’s the calm before the change. A sharp cold front is slicing through Illinois right now. And by this afternoon, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped into a different season. Classic March—where spring teases you in the morning and winter reminds you it’s not done by lunch. Chicagoland starts at 60 degrees—yes, 60 in March—but that’s your high for the day. By noon, temperatures **plummet** to the mid-40s as the front blows through. Expect showers and even a few rumbles of thunder before 2 P.M., then clearing skies by evening. Winds howl out of the west-southwest at 15 to 20 miles an hour, gusting to 30. Tonight? A chilly 37 degrees—feeling more like late February than early March. Central Illinois sees a similar story but with a little more drama. Thunderstorms roll through before 11 A.M., packing gusty winds and brief heavy downpours. Highs crash from 63 degrees this morning to the low 50s by afternoon. Tonight, skies clear. And temps drop fast—down to 36 degrees. Sunday rebounds beautifully, though: sunny and 63 again. Up north, the front hits even harder. Rain showers give way to a steep temperature dive—from 58 degrees this morning to just 42 by afternoon. Overnight lows? A frosty 32. But don’t pack away the sunglasses just yet: Sunday brings sunshine and a rebound to 60. The big picture this week? A rollercoaster. Sunday and Monday deliver a taste of early spring, with highs in the 60s and 70s—yes, **70s** in March. But by Tuesday, another storm system arrives, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms. And even a chance of wintry mix up north by Wednesday. We’re talking highs crashing back to the 40s, with some areas seeing rain **and** snow in the same day. Classic Illinois volatility. In One alert to note, a Flood Warning continues for the Little Wabash River near Clay City, where minor flooding is expected through Thursday. Avoid flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown. In Here's your heads-up for week ahead, sunday hits 60 statewide. Monday flirts with record warmth—mid-70s downstate, 64 in Chicago. Then Tuesday crashes back to reality—storms arrive, followed by a cooldown to the 40s. Thursday and Friday stay cooler, with a rain-snow mix lingering up north. In Oh. Here’s a bright spot, we’re **gaining nearly 3 minutes of daylight each day**. Spring equinox is just 13 days away—hang in there! Grab that extra layer tonight. You'll need it. See you tomorrow. Take care See you this afternoon.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. If you stepped outside already, you walked into a wall of fog. Dense fog advisories are up statewide until 9 A.M. Visibility's down to a quarter mile in spots, especially south of I-27. Take it slow on the roads — this stuff is no joke. The good news? It lifts by mid-morning as warmer air pushes north. And warm is the word today. We're talking 27 degrees to 25 degrees above normal for early March. Chicago hits 68. Springfield climbs to 77. Even Rockford reaches 68 despite morning storms. That's the kind of warmth that tricks you into thinking spring's here early. But here's the catch. Multiple rounds of storms are coming. The first wave rolls through this morning between 7 A.M. and noon, mainly north of I-80. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, possibly some hail. Then this afternoon, conditions turn favorable for severe weather. West of I-55, there's a Slight Risk. East of I-55. Marginal. Large hail, damaging winds, even an isolated tornado are possible if storms fire up. Tonight's the main event. Another line of storms pushes through after midnight ahead of a cold front. This one could pack a punch — strong winds, heavy rain. And yes, a tornado threat exists. Some storms could be severe. Winds pick up too. Southwest gusts of 30 to 35 miles an hour this afternoon, especially behind any storms. Saturday morning, the cold front sweeps through. Lingering showers exit by midday, then we dry out. Temperatures crash from the 60s Saturday morning down to the 40s by evening. Sunday turns beautiful. Sunny skies, highs near 60. Monday climbs to the upper 60s. Then Tuesday and Wednesday, another storm system brings rain chances back. Keep your phone charged and stay weather aware tonight. See you tomorrow. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast See you tomorrow.

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. If you drove to work this morning, you probably felt like you were piloting a submarine. Dense fog rolled in overnight and it's sticking around, cutting visibility down to a quarter mile near Chicago and along the lakeshore. Take it slow out there. In the next 24 hours. Here's where things get interesting. Illinois is running two completely different weather programs today. Down in Chicagoland, you're stuck with that fog and clouds, barely scraping 39 degrees. Drive south to Central Illinois and suddenly it's a different season — mostly cloudy but hitting 61 degrees. That's a 22 degrees split across the state. Up north, the fog clears by mid-afternoon and you'll reach 50 degrees. Tonight, that fog comes roaring back. A warm front is lifting north. And after sunset, expect visibilities to drop below a mile statewide. Lows range from 37 degrees in Chicago to 52 degrees down south. Friday brings the heat. That warm front surges north, pushing highs into the upper 60s to mid 70s — near record territory for early March. But here's the trade-off: scattered showers and thunderstorms arrive Friday morning, especially north. Northern Illinois sees the highest storm chances between late morning and early afternoon. Winds gust to 25 miles an hour. Friday night, a cold front sweeps through with another round of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could pack a punch, with damaging wind gusts possible. Rain tapers off Saturday morning. The weekend cools back down. Saturday brings drier weather with highs near 60 degrees. Sunday stays pleasant in the upper 50s to low 60s. Then Monday and Tuesday warm back into the 70s before another storm system arrives mid-week. Drive safe in that fog today. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. If you stepped outside this morning and couldn't see your neighbor's house, you're not alone. Dense fog has swallowed much of the state overnight. Visibility's down to a quarter mile or less. And a Dense Fog Advisory runs through 9 A.M. For areas along and north of Springfield to Danville. Take it slow if you're commuting — that fog's thick as soup. In the next 24 hours. Southern Illinois is dealing with something more serious. A Flash Flood Warning stays active until 8 A.M. For Alexander. Johnson. Pulaski. And Union counties. We're talking 2.5 to 4.5 inches of rain already on the ground. If you're down there, stay off flooded roads. Chicagoland wakes up at 37 degrees under that gray blanket, barely climbing to 39 this afternoon with a chance of showers through midday. Northern Illinois starts warmer at 40 and reaches 50. Now down in Central Illinois? You're the winner today — 45 degrees this morning, climbing to 61 this afternoon. That's about 33 degrees warmer than we'd expect for early March. Tonight, fog redevelops as a warm front approaches. Lows hold in the upper 30s to low 50s. And if the fog clears in your area, you'll catch a Full Moon. Friday flips the script completely. Central Illinois surges to 78 degrees — more than 33 degrees above normal. Chicagoland hits 67. Northern Illinois reaches 69. But that warmth comes with a price — wind gusts over 25 miles an hour and likely thunderstorms by afternoon. Some could be strong Friday night. The weekend calms down. Saturday cools to the upper 50s and low 60s with clearing skies. Sunday brings sunshine and highs near 60. Monday warms back into the upper 60s and low 70s before our next system arrives Tuesday with more rain. Drive carefully in that fog this morning. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. That mist on your windshield this morning? Just the opening act. A stalled warm front is cutting Illinois in half today, creating two completely different worlds. Dense fog has settled in. And visibility is dropping fast across the state. In the next 24 hours. Down in Central Illinois, you're sitting on the warm side of the line. Temperatures are hovering near 49 degrees right now. You climb to 63 degrees Thursday afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms roll through tonight, with up to a half inch of rain possible. Push north to Chicagoland. And the scene changes. The thermometer sits at 40 degrees and barely budges. Fog drapes the region while rain chances peak around 8 P.M. Tonight, lows hold steady near 40. Northern Illinois sees similar gloom. Patchy fog and scattered showers stick around. Your high tomorrow is just 50 degrees. That puts nearly 33 degrees between you and the southern part of the state. Tonight brings a Full Moon, but good luck spotting it through this overcast. Looking ahead. Friday delivers a jolt. Temperatures surge into the low 70s — nearly 33 degrees above normal for early March. Strong south winds gust over 25 miles an hour. Showers and thunderstorms develop. And a few could be strong Friday night. Saturday cools back to the upper 50s. Sunday looks sunny and pleasant near 60 degrees. Monday warms again into the upper 60s before our next storm system arrives Tuesday. Take it slow in the fog tonight. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. That gray blanket overhead isn't going anywhere soon. We're sitting at 39 degrees under overcast skies, after dipping to 32 overnight. The sun came up at 6:22, but you wouldn't know it looking out the window. In the next 24 hours., A warm front is lifting through central Illinois, creating quite a contrast. North of I-33, temperatures are stuck in the 40s with dense fog. South of that line, spots are pushing 60 degrees. Chicagoland stays cool today with a high near 45. Rain showers develop after 3 P.M. and linger into tonight. Patchy fog rolls in this evening, with lows around 40. Down in Central Illinois, you're sitting in the warm sector. Highs near 53 with showers and thunderstorms possible through the afternoon. A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast counties through Thursday morning. One to two inches of rain could fall. Tonight's low only drops to 49. Northern Illinois sees mostly cloudy skies with a high near 51. Fog develops tonight with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows around 40. Tomorrow brings more fog and drizzle before a dramatic shift. Friday. Temperatures soar into the 70s. That's about 33 degrees above normal for early March. We're talking near-record warmth, but it comes with a price. Strong storms are possible Friday night as a cold front sweeps through. The weekend looks quieter with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s and sunshine returning Sunday. Tonight's full moon will have to work hard to shine through all that cloud cover. And we're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight each day now. Spring equinox is just two weeks away. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. That thick gray blanket outside your window? It's not going anywhere fast. We're waking up to 33 degrees under stubborn overcast skies. If you're near the Wisconsin border this morning, you're practically driving blind — visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less in spots. A Dense Fog Advisory sticks around until 10 A.M., so give yourself extra time on the commute. In the next 24 hours. In Here's strange part, step three hours south and it's a different world. Central Illinois is running a solid 31 degrees to 31 degrees warmer than the north. Springfield hits 51 degrees today, while Chicagoland struggles to reach 39. That sharp temperature difference is like striking a match — it triggers showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly along and south of I-70. Keep your eyes on the sky between 2 and 8 P.M. A few storms could turn strong with gusty winds and small hail. Tonight, the rain spreads north while you sleep. Lows hold steady in the upper 30s to upper 40s. And that fog redevelops across most areas. You might have trouble spotting that full moon rising through all the cloud cover. Thursday stays damp and gray with another round of showers. But Friday. Friday is the head-turner. We're talking mid-60s in Chicago and near 77 in central Illinois. That's nearly 30 degrees above normal for early March. Enjoy the spring tease, but stay weather-aware Friday night — a cold front brings another round of storms. The weekend quiets down with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s under partly sunny skies. If you're heading out early, grab those low-beam headlights. That fog is thicker than it looks. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, walk outside right now and that fog hits you like a wet blanket. Thirty six degrees. Gray. Damp. The kind of air that seeps into your bones. And there's a reason for it. In the next 24 hours., A warm front is parked across south central Illinois tonight. Think of it as a dividing line. South of it, temperatures are climbing fast. North of it, you're stuck in the 30s with that raw, soupy air clinging to everything. That front starts sliding north tonight and Wednesday. And it's dragging a LOT of rain behind it. So what does that mean where you live? Up in northern Illinois, you're holding at 30 degrees tonight. Mostly dry. Tomorrow brings a welcome push toward 50, but rain sneaks in by Wednesday night. Chicago, you're sitting at 35 tonight and staying there. Wednesday warms to 40, with rain arriving after 3 P.M. That damp chill off the lake? Not going anywhere. Now head south to central Illinois. That's where the action is. Showers and thunderstorms roll in tonight. We're talking nearly an inch of rain. Lows only drop to 43. Wednesday pushes 55 with more rain and fog stacking up. And if you're anywhere near Clay City, heads up. A Flood Warning kicks in Wednesday afternoon for the Little Wabash River. This is where it gets wild. We stay soggy through Thursday. Then Friday. Highs could rocket into the mid 70s across central Illinois. Seventy five degrees in early March. Let that sink in. But strong storms are possible Friday night before we dry out for the weekend. One more thing worth noting. Spring equinox is just two weeks out. We're gaining almost three minutes of daylight every day now. You can feel the season turning, even through the fog. Charge your phone tonight. If severe weather pops Friday, you'll want those alerts ready. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. That gray ceiling overhead? It's keeping temperatures locked in the 30s across much of the state right now. But down in Central Illinois, a whole different story is unfolding. Thunderstorms are rumbling through with penny-size hail reported near Sullivan and Bethany. A sharp temperature divide splits the state today. 30 degrees up north, 43 degrees in Central Illinois, all under that persistent overcast. In the next 24 hours. Tonight, fog becomes the headline. Patchy fog develops after midnight statewide, but Central Illinois sees the bigger impacts. Showers and thunderstorms continue there with a 90 percent chance of rain. Some spots could pick up three quarters to an inch of new rainfall. Lows bottom out at 30 degrees up north, 34 in Chicagoland. And hold at 43 degrees down south. Wednesday brings more clouds and continued shower chances. The warm front lifting northward keeps Central Illinois mild with a high near 55 degrees. Chicagoland and Northern Illinois stay cooler, topping out around 40 and 50 degrees respectively. Fog could linger through the morning commute, so give yourself extra time. The big story this week? A dramatic warm-up. By Friday, temperatures surge into the mid-60s up north and approach 77 degrees in Central Illinois. That's nearly 30 degrees above normal for early March. Showers and thunderstorms return Friday and Friday night as a cold front sweeps through. Some storms could be strong. The weekend looks quieter with highs in the 60s and sunshine returning Sunday. And here's a note for sky watchers — the full moon rises tonight. With all this cloud cover, you might have to catch a glimpse between breaks. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Jack O'Malley. Folks, there's a warm front draped across southern Illinois right now. And it's splitting this state in two. You step outside in Chicago and it's 36 degrees under a gray ceiling. Drive three hours south and it feels like a different season. Twenty degrees warmer down there. That boundary is the story tonight. In the next 24 hours. South of that front is where the action lives. Central Illinois sees showers and thunderstorms rolling in this evening. Rain is all but guaranteed, with up to an inch possible. Southwest of Jacksonville, there's a marginal severe risk. Hail is the main threat. Nothing catastrophic, but worth keeping an ear out. Northern Illinois? You stay cool and dry tonight. Lows near 30 degrees. Quiet skies. Almost boring compared to what's happening downstate. Chicagoland splits the difference. Mostly cloudy, lows around 35 degrees. Your turn comes Wednesday, when rain showers sneak in after 3 P.M. Now Wednesday night into Thursday is when this gets statewide. That warm front lifts north, dragging rain and fog with it. Central Illinois stays soggy. Chicago and the northern tier both see rain likely. And that patchy fog Thursday morning? Could make your commute feel like driving through a cotton ball. Rain hangs around through Thursday. Then Friday. The plot twist. Highs surge into the mid 60s, maybe touching 70 degrees. That kind of warmth in early March feels stolen. But it comes with a price. Another round of storms Friday night into Saturday morning. Sunday clears beautifully. Sunshine. Low 60s. The kind of day that makes you forget winter exists. Quick note. Tonight's full moon is up there somewhere behind all those clouds. And with the equinox two weeks out, we're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every single day. Spring is knocking. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. Take care! That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, that gray ceiling you're waking up under? Think of it as a lid on a pot that's about to boil over. A massive front stretching from Georgia to Colorado is winding up. And we're sitting square in its crosshairs. High pressure over the Great Lakes is holding it off for now. But not for long. In the next 24 hours. Step outside in Chicago and you'll feel 38 degrees with that damp northeast wind cutting right through your layers. The kind of chill that makes your coffee cool too fast. You stay dry today and tonight, but enjoy it. That's the last boring weather you'll see for a while. Now drive south on I-55 and things get interesting quick. Central Illinois is already fogging up, with showers creeping in this afternoon. Highs push to 46 degrees. Then around 9 P.M., the sky opens. Thunderstorms roll in with three quarters to a full inch of rain. Keep the umbrella in the car. Northern Illinois splits the difference. Mostly cloudy, high near 43. Tonight actually clears a bit, dropping to 30 degrees. Early Wednesday morning, wind chills dip to about 26. That'll wake you up. Wednesday the rain spreads everywhere. Central Illinois gets the rough stuff. Strong thunderstorms south of I-70 Wednesday afternoon with large hail as the main concern. Worth watching closely. Now here's where the plot twists. Thursday and Friday bring a warm up that'll make your head spin. Friday could hit 77 degrees in central Illinois. That's nearly 40 degrees warmer than tonight's lows. February who? Then a cold front sweeps through Saturday, clearing us out for a gorgeous sunny Sunday near 60. Quick note. Tonight's full moon might struggle behind all those clouds. But we're gaining three minutes of daylight every day now. Spring equinox is two weeks out. Charge your phone tonight and keep an eye on radar Wednesday. I'll have the storm details first thing tomorrow. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, grab that coffee and listen up. High pressure parked near Lake Ontario is doing us a favor today. It's pushing that messy system from yesterday out the door and rolling in clear skies behind it. That's your story in a nutshell. One good dry day before things get interesting. In the next 24 hours. Right now you're stepping into 27 degrees under stars. Northern Illinois bottomed out at 19 overnight. Central Illinois? You dealt with that ugly mix of snow, sleet. and freezing rain. but that's done. Gone. Moving east as we speak. Now the sunshine. Up north, you're climbing to 44 degrees today under brilliant blue sky. Chicagoland stays a touch cooler at 39 degrees, but just as sunny. Head down toward Springfield and central Illinois hangs around 43 degrees with stubborn clouds still clearing out from last night's mess. Tonight those clouds creep back in. Lows settle near 28 degrees around Chicago, 31 degrees up north. and a milder 37 degrees in central Illinois. After 3 A.M., a slight chance of rain sneaks in statewide. That's the first hint of what's coming. Tuesday flips the script entirely. A warm front slides north and opens the Gulf moisture pipeline. Central Illinois sees showers and thunderstorms with highs near 53 degrees. Chicago and northern Illinois stay cooler. Upper 30s to low 40s with scattered rain. Looking ahead, this week brings a dramatic pattern change. Beneficial rain stacks up through midweek. We're talking potentially two inches or more across central and southern Illinois. Strong thunderstorms possible Wednesday. Then Friday. Central Illinois could touch 75 degrees. Let that sink in. Saturday a cold front knocks us back to the 60s with clearing skies. Spring equinox is 18 days out. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every single day. Today's your dry window. Use it wisely. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, there's a high pressure system parked right over the Great Lakes tonight. and it's playing favorites. That big dome of dry air is shielding Chicagoland and Northern Illinois from any trouble. but Central Illinois? You're on the edge. and edges are where things get interesting. In the next 24 hours. Right now you're stepping outside to about 30 degrees under partly cloudy skies. Northeast winds are the culprit behind that bite. Ten miles an hour doesn't sound like much, but it's enough to make 31 degrees in Chicago feel like 18. That kind of damp chill cuts right through a hoodie. Up in Northern Illinois, you've got the coldest air in the state tonight. Temperatures crash to 22 degrees. By 7 A.M. Tomorrow, wind chills drop to 22 degrees. Your car's gonna groan when you start it. but Monday rewards the patience. Sunny skies, 45 degrees. Almost pleasant. Now Central Illinois. This is where the plot twist lives. Forty three degrees this afternoon felt almost springlike. Enjoy that memory. Snow rolls in around 8 P.M. and keeps falling through 3 A.M. One to two inches, peaking around midnight. Not a blockbuster, but enough to glaze those bridges and overpasses. Monday morning commuters, give yourself an extra ten minutes. The week ahead though? Completely different movie. We start cold Monday, low 40s. Then temperatures start climbing like they've got somewhere to be. Multiple rounds of rain Tuesday through Friday. By Friday. Central Illinois could flirt with 70 degrees. Thunderstorms are possible Wednesday and again Friday. March coming in like a lion and immediately switching costumes. Oh. and we gained nearly three minutes of daylight today. Spring is three weeks out. The light is winning. Charge your phone tonight and set that alarm a few minutes early if you're in Central Illinois. Slick roads don't care about your snooze button. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, there's a quiet cold sitting over Illinois right now. A big high pressure system parked over the Upper Midwest is pumping Canadian air straight down into our laps. That 26 degrees on your thermometer this morning? That's why. In the next 24 hours. But this calm doesn't last. A disturbance sliding in from the Great Basin flips the script tonight. and central Illinois. You're in the crosshairs. Let me walk you through it. Up north, you've got the easiest day in the state. Mostly sunny skies, highs near 35 degrees. Enjoy it. Tonight stays clear with lows around 21. Chicago, that northeast wind off Lake Michigan is doing its thing. Ten to 15 miles an hour, holding you to about 30 degrees. Feels closer to 18 with that damp chill cutting through your coat. Clouds roll in tonight. Lows settle near 29. Now central Illinois, pay attention. Clouds thicken through the afternoon with highs reaching 43 degrees. Then snow moves in after 7 P.M. A Winter Weather Advisory kicks in at 6 P.M. The heaviest stuff falls around 10 P.M. One to two inches for most of you, but a narrow band from Jacksonville to Mattoon could see three. That Monday morning commute? Give yourself extra time. Roads will be slick. Monday improves across the board. Highs climb into the mid 40s statewide. Now the week ahead gets wild. Rain takes over Tuesday through Saturday. Wednesday could fire up thunderstorms, some strong south of I-72. and Friday is the real plot twist. Highs surge into the mid 60s, maybe touching 70 degrees. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every day now. Spring equinox is just 19 days out. Charge your phone tonight and set that alarm a few minutes early if you're in central Illinois. You'll want the extra time. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks, that northeast wind greeting you at the door this morning? Blame the massive high pressure parked over the Upper Midwest. It's pulling cold Great Lakes air straight across the state. and it's not letting go until tonight. In the next 24 hours. Right now you're waking up to 27 degrees. Feels like January forgot to leave. Chicago tops out near 30 today with northeast winds pushing 10 to 20 miles an hour. That wind chill will bite through anything lighter than a real winter coat. Drive south into central Illinois and things loosen up a bit. Springfield and Champaign climb from a frosty 22 degrees this morning into the low 40s this afternoon. Northern Illinois splits the difference. 19 degrees at sunrise, 35 by mid afternoon. Now here's where tonight gets interesting. A sneaky little short wave rolling in from the Great Basin is about to collide with a stalled front draped across the southern half of the state. That collision triggers snow across central Illinois after 7 P.M. One to two inches for most of you. but a narrow band from Jacksonville over to Mattoon could see three inches. Along I-70, some sleet or freezing rain might mix in after midnight. Chicago and points north? You stay mostly dry. Maybe a stray flurry, nothing more. Monday morning south of I-74. That commute will be slick. Give yourself extra time and take it slow. Monday warms into the low 40s as that high finally slides east. Then everything flips. Tuesday brings rain as Gulf moisture surges north. Wednesday could fire up strong thunderstorms south of I-72. and by the end of the week? We're talking mid 60s to low 70s. March coming in like a lion and apparently sprinting straight toward spring. Keep the snow brush in the car tonight. You'll need it one last time before the warmth arrives. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. Stay safe, stay prepared. and enjoy the day.

Good evening. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks. Illinois is fighting itself tonight. A stalled front sliced the state clean in two today. Central Illinois hit 58 degrees. Meanwhile, up near Chicago? Thirty five. That's nearly a 30 degrees temperature split across one state. In the next 24 hours. Here's why. Warm Gulf air surged north into the midsection while a stubborn Great Lakes high shoved cold air straight down into Chicagoland. That northeast wind off Lake Michigan? It bites. Feels way colder than 35. But the cold side is winning this tug of war. Tonight, temperatures crash everywhere. Northern Illinois drops to 20 degrees. Wind chills up there fall to around 9 by early Sunday morning. The kind of cold that stings your ears in seconds. Chicago settles near 28. and Central Illinois? That 58 degrees afternoon is a distant memory. You're waking up to 26 tomorrow. Sunday stays chilly statewide. Northern Illinois tops out at 34 under sunny skies. Chicago barely reaches 30, with a few stray snow showers possible. Central Illinois climbs to a more tolerable 42 with partly sunny conditions. Now the week ahead tells a completely different story. Monday night flips the script. Gulf moisture floods back in, bringing rounds of rain Tuesday through Friday. We're talking one to two inches of rainfall across the state. Temperatures rocket into the 50s and 60s by late week. Winter fading fast. One thing I love right now. We're gaining almost three minutes of daylight every single day. Sunrise was 19 degrees:28 this morning. Sunset at 5:40. Spring equinox is just 20 days out. If you've got plans tomorrow morning, grab the heavy coat. That overnight drop sneaks up on you. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. Stay safe, stay prepared. and enjoy the day.