The Illinois Weather Podcast

Good afternoon. Illinois. I'm Aaron Jolly. Folks. Illinois is basically two different states today. A cold front is dragging its heels across the northern half, dragging some Canadian air back in. Meanwhile, high pressure is building overhead down south. That's creating a wild temperature split you can feel the moment you step outside. In the next 24 hours. Here's the setup. Up north, you're stuck in the gray with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees. It feels raw. but look downstate? Central Illinois is basking in 56 degrees sunshine. That's a 20-degree swing from top to bottom. Let's take a trip through the regions. In Chicagoland, you've got a chilly day on deck. Highs top out near 35 degrees. You might see some snowflakes flying between 11 A.M. and 4 P.M., though nothing really sticks. Winds around 15 miles an hour make it bite a little more. Tonight holds cloudy with a low around 27. and winds gust up to 30 miles an hour. You'll feel that one. Central Illinois is seeing the best of it today. You hit 56 degrees this afternoon. but enjoy it while you can. That warmth vanishes tonight. You'll drop to 26 degrees by morning under clear skies. Northern Illinois remains stuck in the deep freeze. Highs only reach 32 degrees this afternoon. A few snow showers are possible before 3 P.M. Tonight turns bitter with lows near 20. Sunday stays cool as that air settles in. Chicago hits 30. Central Illinois drops to 42. The north rebounds slightly to 34. The pattern wakes up Monday. Rain rolls in Monday night into Tuesday. Then we're watching Wednesday closely. Strong thunderstorms are possible. The rest of the week looks wet and mild. We're gaining almost 3 minutes of daylight every single day now. Spring is definitely creeping in. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. Stay safe, stay prepared. and enjoy the day.

Good morning. Maine. I'm DJ Huzz. Folks, the state is running two completely different seasons today. A narrow snow band is sliding southeast out of the Dakotas, aimed right at northern Illinois. Where it hits, snowfall rates could spike to an inch per hour. Sounds dramatic. It's. but it's also brief. In the next 24 hours. Near and north of I-90, that snow arrives late morning and pushes through by early afternoon. Rockford to Evanston picks up half an inch to an inch. Closer to the Wisconsin line, maybe a touch more. The good news? Pavement is still holding warmth from yesterday. Most of this sticks to grass, bridges. and overpasses. but that gives you a one to two hour window where elevated surfaces get slippery. Drive accordingly. Now head south of I-80 and it's a different planet. Temperatures climb into the upper 40s. Springfield? Hits 56 degrees by mid afternoon with partly sunny skies. An isolated rain shower is possible around 3 P.M., but most spots stay dry. Meanwhile northern Illinois barely cracks the mid 30s. That's a 20 degrees split across one state. Overnight, lows drop into the mid 20s statewide. Sunday gets interesting. Cold air rolls in off Lake Michigan. Temperatures hold in the 30s everywhere. A lake effect snow band may brush the shore early Sunday morning. Think dusting, nothing more. Sunday night into Monday, a system tracking across Missouri might clip southern Illinois with an inch or two of snow along and south of I-74. Models keep pushing it farther south though. Then. The real plot twist. Tuesday through next weekend, the pattern flips hard. A stalled front sets up shop and waves of rain roll through. Strong thunderstorms are possible Wednesday. Highs climb into the 50s and 60s by late week. Central Illinois could see over 2 inches of rain. February exits. March enters swinging. Charge your phone before you head out today. If that snow band catches you on the tollway, you'll want traffic apps ready. 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 morning. Maine. I'm DJ Huzz. Folks, if you stepped outside today and thought you landed in the wrong month. You aren't alone. A deep low pressure system spinning over Canada is pulling a massive ribbon of unseasonably warm air straight into the Midwest. We're talking temperatures that feel more like late April than late February. but here's the catch. That warmth comes with a cost. The air is bone dry. and the wind is howling. In the next 24 hours. That creates a serious problem west of Interstate 55. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 P.M. With southwest winds gusting to 35 miles an hour and humidity sitting around 25 percent, any spark in those dormant fields could take off running. Please hold off on any outdoor burning today. Let's look at who's seeing what. Down in the Chicagoland area, you're soaking up 61 degrees under sunny skies. You'll drop to a chilly 32 degrees tonight under mostly clear conditions. Saturday brings a reality check. Highs only hit 36 degrees, with a slight chance of snow after 3 P.M. Central Illinois is the warm spot in the state, hitting a whopping 72 degrees this afternoon. Tonight cools to 33 degrees. Saturday stays pleasant at 58 degrees with mostly sunny skies. but Sunday night brings a change. Snow is likely with 1 to 3 inches possible. Up in Northern Illinois, you reach 64 degrees today. Tonight, you plunge to 26 degrees. Saturday stays cold at 34 degrees with a slight chance of snow after 10 A.M. Here's your heads-up for the week ahead. Sunday night brings snow potential to central areas. Then a warmer, wetter pattern takes over. Rain becomes likely Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures rebounding into the 50s and 60s. We're gaining nearly 3 minutes of daylight every day now. Spring is getting closer. Keep those matches in your pocket today. 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 morning. Maine. I'm DJ Huzz. Folks, step outside right now and it feels like a damp sponge. but by this afternoon, you'll want to peel off a layer. In the next 24 hours. We're starting at 31 degrees with dense fog blanketing the Chicago metro and northern Illinois. Visibility is down to a quarter mile in spots, so take it slow on the roads. Watch out for hidden slick patches where the air is still below freezing. That fog burns off by mid-morning. Then the real show begins. Southwest winds ramp up to 20 miles an hour, gusting to 40 this afternoon. Central Illinois, you're heading for a sunny 70 degrees. Chicagoland and the northern suburbs climb into the low 60s. That's a solid 20 degrees above normal for late February. But here's the trade-off. Those gusty winds, the warmth. and the bone-dry air are a dangerous combo. A Red Flag Warning covers Logan and Sangamon counties from noon until 6 P.M. Any spark could take off running, so skip the outdoor burning anywhere in the state today. Tonight, a cold front slams the door on this warmth. We tumble back into the 20s and 30s by Saturday morning. Saturday brings a total reality check. Northern Illinois holds in the low 30s with snow possible. Chicagoland tops out near 36 with flakes flying after noon. Central Illinois stays milder at 56 degrees with just a slight chance of rain. Keep an eye on Sunday night into Monday morning. A system brings snow to much of the state, potentially messing with the Monday morning commute. Looking ahead, the pattern flips completely. After a bone-dry February, we're tracking multiple rounds of rain for Wednesday through Thursday. Temperatures rebound into the 50s and 60s by late week. Spring is getting closer. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every day. Charge your phone before you head out. That wind will drain your battery fast. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care For the extended outlook, check the latest forecast as confidence improves. Stay safe, stay prepared. and enjoy the day.

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Thursday, February 26th. Folks, that 26 degrees on your thermometer right now? Savor it. Because by tomorrow afternoon, we're talking 60s. Buckle in.. This week is about to get wild. Let's start up north. Northern Illinois is sitting at 18 degrees right now. Wind chills near 13 around 7 A.M., so that morning dog walk stings a little. Partly sunny skies push you toward a high near 42 degrees. Not bad. Chicagoland, you're at 26 under partly cloudy skies. Mostly sunny this afternoon with highs also near 42. Now slide down to Central Illinois. You're warmer at 30 degrees, but there's a catch. A slight chance of freezing drizzle between 14 degrees and 8 A.M. Take it slow on those early roads. Once that clears, mostly sunny skies and a high near 52 degrees. That's ten degrees warmer than the north. Tonight settles into the upper 20s to mid 30s under partly cloudy skies. Quiet. Easy. Friday is the plot twist. Southwest winds crank to 20 miles an hour with gusts near 35. Temperatures vault into the 60s statewide. Central Illinois could touch 68 degrees.. Nearly 30 above normal for late February. Your windows might actually open for the first time since November. But that warmth comes with a warning. Low humidity plus gusty winds means elevated fire danger, especially across west central Illinois. No burning. Period. Now the twist behind the twist. A cold front barrels through Friday night. Saturday cools fast with snow chances developing. By Sunday into Sunday night, a winter storm could bring accumulating snow. Too early for totals, but keep your shovels accessible. Quick bright spot. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every day now. Sunrise at 6:31, sunset at 5:38. Spring equinox is just three weeks out. I'll be glued to that weekend storm track tonight. Check back tomorrow for the Friday update. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening! I'm Aaron Jolly. Welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Wednesday, February 25th. Folks, that sunshine today was a liar. A beautiful, blue sky liar. Step outside and that northwest wind bites through every layer you've got. We're at 37 degrees right now, but it feels closer to 27 on your face. Up in northern Illinois, highs only hit 35 degrees today. Sunny? Sure. But gusts near 20 miles an hour make it feel like you're standing in a walk in freezer with the door cracked open. Tonight drops to 18 degrees. By early tomorrow morning, exposed skin feels like 11. Chicagoland, you're splitting the difference. High of 36 degrees with that same breezy northwest flow. Partly cloudy tonight, low around 26 degrees. Not terrible. Not great. Classic February limbo. Now central Illinois.. You won the weather lottery today. Partly sunny, pushing 50 degrees. But don't get too comfortable. Between 8 P.M. and 3 A.M., a sneaky little disturbance rolls through with rain flipping to snow. Up to half an inch possible along the I-74 corridor. Roads could get slick around midnight, so give yourself extra stopping distance if you're out late. Tomorrow, everything dries out. And then.. The plot twist. Friday feels like a completely different season. Northern Illinois touches 60 degrees. Chicago hits 59. Central Illinois pushes 67 degrees. That's nearly 20 above normal for late February. Your windows might actually open for the first time since November. Don't unpack the shorts just yet. A cold front crashes the party Friday night. Weekend highs tumble back into the 30s with snow chances statewide Saturday. Sunday into Monday, another system threatens accumulating snow and possibly ice across central and southern areas. One bright spot to hold onto. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every single day now. Spring equinox is just three weeks out. I'll be tracking that weekend system all night. Charge your phone and check back tomorrow. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good afternoon! I'm Aaron Jolly. Welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Wednesday, February 25th. Folks, step outside right now and you'll feel 28 degrees under a gray ceiling. But that ceiling is about to crack open.. And what comes next depends on where you're standing. Up in northern Illinois, sunshine wins the afternoon. High of 32 degrees, but west winds gusting to 15 miles an hour make it feel closer to 15. That's the kind of cold that sneaks through your zipper. Tonight settles to 18 degrees under partly cloudy skies. Slide south into Chicagoland and you'll pick up a few extra degrees. The sun punches through for a high of 36. Winds gust to 20 miles an hour this afternoon, so hold onto your hat near the lakefront. Tonight drops to 26. Now central Illinois.. You're the warm kid in class today. Highs near 48 degrees under partly sunny skies. Enjoy that while it lasts, because between 8 P.M. and 2 A.M., rain transitions to snow. It peaks around midnight. Accumulation stays light, less than half an inch. Low of 29. Looking ahead, Thursday rebounds nicely. Chicagoland hits 43. Central Illinois reaches 49. Northern Illinois climbs to 42. All under mostly sunny skies. Then Friday.. This is the one I keep staring at. Temperatures surge near 60 degrees across much of the state. That's roughly 20 degrees above normal for late February. Your windows might actually open for the first time since November. Don't get too comfortable though. A cold front crashes the party Saturday, dragging snow chances back through the weekend. One more thing worth noting. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every day now. Sunrise at 6:33, sunset at 5:36. Spring equinox is just three weeks out. I'll be tracking that Friday warmth and Saturday flip all week. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Wednesday, February 25th. That sunshine is lying to you. Don't trust it. Step outside and that west wind slices right through your coat like it's made of tissue paper. Folks, Chicagoland is sitting at 28 degrees right now. You'll climb to 36 by 2 P.M. under sunny skies. Sounds decent until that steady 12 miles an hour west wind keeps your face feeling like the teens. Tonight drops to 26 under partly cloudy skies. Dry all day, dry all night. No drama up north.. Yet. Now slide down to Central Illinois. You're waking up warmer at 30 degrees. And here's where it gets fun. Highs push to 47 by 2 P.M. Almost balmy. But enjoy that warmth while the sun's up.. Because snow sneaks in around 8 P.M. It peaks near midnight, likely dropping less than half an inch before wrapping up by 4 A.M. Lows settle near 28. Northern Illinois is the cold corner this morning. Twenty two degrees. Highs only reach 32 by 2 P.M. Wind gusts hit 15 miles an hour around 4 A.M. tonight. Tomorrow morning at 6 A.M.? Feels like 10 degrees. Lows plunge to 17. That's the kind of cold where your car door handle fights back. Now the week ahead tells a real story. Thursday warms nicely. Low 40s north, pushing near 50 central. Friday is the payoff. Upper 50s to low 60s with sunshine. Soak up every second. Saturday a cold front crashes the party with snow chances, especially northern Illinois. Sunday into Monday stays cold with more snow possible. Quick note. You're gaining almost three minutes of daylight today. Sunrise at 6:33 A.M., sunset at 5:36 P.M. Spring equinox is just three weeks out. Keep that extra layer in the car today. You'll want it by sundown. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good evening! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Tuesday, February 24th. Folks — winter is **not done** with us yet. Not even close. If you stepped outside today thinking spring was around the corner, the weather had a different opinion entirely. Here's what's happening across the state right now. Down in the Chicago area, you're dealing with temperatures hovering in the low 20s. And that wind off the lake? **Brutal.** Wind chills are making it feel closer to single digits. Dress warmly if you're heading out for anything tonight. Over in Springfield, you're sitting a touch warmer — mid-20s — but don't let that fool you. It's still the kind of cold that bites the second you walk out the door. Heading south toward Carbondale and the Shawnee region, you've got a few more degrees to work with. Upper 20s, maybe brushing 30. But clouds are thickening up across southern Illinois. And that's setting the stage for what's coming next. **Wednesday's bringing snow.** Not a dusting, not a flurry — we're talking a legitimate winter weather event rolling in from the west. Northern Illinois could see two to four inches by Wednesday evening. The I-80 corridor? You'll want to give yourself extra time for that commute. Central Illinois picks up an inch or two, while southern sections might see a rain-snow mix before it transitions over. Here's your heads-up for the rest of the week. Thursday clears out but stays **frigid** — highs barely cracking 25 statewide. Friday warms slightly into the low 30s. And the weekend? We're watching another system that could bring more precipitation by Sunday. I'll keep you posted on that one. One more thing — if you're a stargazer, step out tonight before the clouds roll in. The crescent moon is gorgeous right now, hanging low in the western sky. Perfect excuse to brave the cold for two minutes. Stay safe on those roads tomorrow morning. Give yourself extra time, slow down. And keep that ice scraper handy. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care, Illinois!

Good afternoon! I'm Aaron Jolly. Welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Tuesday, February 24th. Folks, if your trash cans just rolled down the driveway.. That was only the preview. Gusts are pushing toward 40 miles an hour by late morning. And here's what matters. We've got elevated fire danger statewide this afternoon. Bone dry conditions, strong winds, low humidity. Any spark takes off running. Skip the outdoor burning today. Seriously. Now let's take a ride through the state. Central Illinois steals the show. You're climbing to 51 degrees around 4 PM. Dry skies all day, all night. But those south southwest winds gust to 21 miles an hour near noon. Step outside at 10 AM and it feels like 21 degrees. That wind has teeth. Slide north into Chicagoland and you'll hit 40 degrees by 4 PM. Steady winds around 18 miles an hour all day. Then rain rolls in between 4 PM and 6 PM. After that.. The bottom drops out. By 7 AM tomorrow you're feeling 14 degrees. That's a 25 degree freefall overnight. Push further into Northern Illinois and things get messy. Mixed precipitation between 3 PM and 5 PM. High of 41 degrees around 4 PM, then plunging to 20 by 7 AM. Tomorrow morning feels like 16 degrees. Your car will hate you. Tonight skies clear statewide and temperatures crash into the 20s. Looking ahead, Wednesday brings sunshine but cold air. Low to mid 30s up north, near 47 degrees central. Wednesday night into Thursday morning, a chance of light snow sneaks in, especially central Illinois. Friday is the payoff. Sunny skies, near 60 degrees in central areas. Then the weekend pulls the rug out. Cooler temps return with snow chances Sunday into Monday. Quick bright spot. You're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight today. Sunrise at 6:35 AM, sunset at 5:35 PM. Charge your phone tonight. Cold mornings drain batteries faster than you think. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Tuesday, February 24th. Step outside right now and you're feeling 20 degrees. Enjoy that for about five minutes.. Because today's temperature is about to launch like a rocket. We're talking a 30 degree swing by this afternoon. But that warmth rides in on some serious wind. And the National Weather Service is flagging elevated fire danger across central and southern Illinois. If you had plans to burn brush today, shelve them. Folks, down in central Illinois, you're getting the wildest ride. Springfield and Decatur wake up at 20 degrees and hit 51 by 4 P.M. That's a February day pretending to be April. Winds gust to 21 miles an hour around noon. Feels like someone left the oven door open. Tonight only drops to 30. But Wednesday night into Thursday, a rain and snow mix sneaks in. Could see half an inch of accumulation. Thursday morning commute might get slippery. Over in Chicagoland, you start at 21 degrees. South winds at 18 miles an hour push you to 40 by 4 P.M. A quick splash of light rain rolls through between 4 and 6 P.M. Then something weird happens. Temperatures actually climb overnight, bottoming at 26 around midnight before creeping back to 29 by dawn. Wednesday brings sunshine and 35 degrees, then snow chances return Thursday. Up in northern Illinois, you're climbing from 16 to 41 this afternoon. Mixed rain and snow moves in between 3 and 5 P.M. Tonight settles into the low 20s with gusty west winds. Wednesday gives you one quiet day before Thursday's wintry weather. Now the week ahead tells quite a story. Thursday's messy, but Friday.. Friday is gorgeous. Sunny skies, highs in the 50s statewide. Central Illinois could touch 61. Then a cold front crashes the party Saturday. Sunday into Monday, another round of snow is possible, especially north and central. Charge your phone tonight. You'll want weather alerts handy by Thursday. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good evening! I'm Aaron Jolly. And this is the Illinois Weather Podcast for Monday, February 23rd. Folks, tonight's cold is just the opening act. Right now you're feeling 25 degrees under partly cloudy skies. Enjoy the calm.. Because Illinois is about to pull off a 30 degree temperature swing in 24 hours. Tonight the bottom drops out. Northern Illinois sinks to 16 degrees. Central Illinois hits 18. Chicagoland holds near 22. That's the kind of cold where your car takes a minute to remember how to start. Then Tuesday rewrites the script entirely. Southern winds kick in hard. And by 3 P.M., northern Illinois jumps to 42 degrees. Gusts could hammer 40 miles an hour around 11 A.M., so anything loose in your yard is going on an adventure. Central Illinois steals the show though. You'll rocket to 50 degrees by 4 P.M. That's nearly 20 degrees above normal for late February. Chicagoland, you'll hit 41 by 4 P.M. With gusts to 25 miles an hour. Now the plot twist. Wednesday night into Thursday, a system slides through bringing wet snow north of I-70. Maybe a slushy inch. Not a big deal, but Thursday morning commutes could get slippery. The week ahead tells a wild story. Tuesday's warmth fades Wednesday, then temperatures climb right back into the 50s Friday. Central Illinois could touch 60 degrees Saturday. T shirt weather. In February. Let that sink in. But Sunday another system threatens snow, because this is Illinois and nothing stays comfortable for long. One more thing worth noting. Sunrise tomorrow at 6:36 A.M., sunset at 5:34 P.M. You're gaining almost three minutes of daylight every day now. Keep those winter coats by the door tonight, but maybe hang the lighter jacket where you can reach it too. You'll want both this week. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good afternoon! I'm Aaron Jolly. Welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Monday, February 23rd. Right now you're feeling 21 degrees. Overcast. Biting. And that wind chill around 6 A.M. This morning? Seven degrees. Folks, that's the kind of cold that makes your teeth ache. Chicagoland sits under a stubborn cloud deck with a slight chance of snow showers before noon. Highs barely scratch 27 degrees. Gusts hit 30 miles an hour. Drive south on I-55 toward Springfield and the picture changes. Central Illinois gets full sunshine and climbs to 31 degrees. Up near Rockford and the Wisconsin border? Mostly sunny but frozen in the 20s. Tonight the winds finally back off. By 10 P.M. They shift from the west. Chicagoland drops to 20 degrees around 11 P.M. The northern tier sinks to 16. Then by 10 A.M. Tuesday.. You're already bouncing back to 28 degrees. Central Illinois follows the same script. Twenty tonight, 33 by morning. Now here's where things get interesting. Tuesday's warm up is real. Chicagoland touches 41 degrees. Central Illinois pushes toward 49. But gusts ramp to 40 miles an hour. And humidity drops below 30 percent west of the river. Fire danger is no joke, especially around Macomb and Jacksonville. Wednesday night into Thursday, a storm system rolls in. North of I-70, snow is likely. Macomb to Champaign could see an inch or more. South of there you're looking at a messy cocktail of sleet and freezing drizzle. Not fun. The week ahead tells a wild story. Cold start, midweek warm up, storm, then.. Friday and Saturday deliver sunshine and highs in the 50s. February acting like April. By Sunday a cold front drags us back to reality. I'll be tracking that Wednesday storm all evening. You'll want to check back tomorrow for the latest. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Monday, February 23rd.. And winter is throwing one last tantrum before getting shown the door. Folks, step outside right now and you'll feel it. Chicagoland woke up at 20 degrees around 5 A.M. Northwest winds at 20 miles an hour make it feel like four degrees. Your high today? Only 27 degrees by 2 P.M. Tonight drops back to 20, but the wind finally quits around 11 P.M. Now push south into Central Illinois. That's your cold pocket this morning. Lows bottomed out near 15 degrees around 4 A.M. You'll warm to 31 degrees by 3 P.M. Winds shift southwest around 10 P.M. Tonight. And here's where it gets interesting. Tomorrow? You're jumping to 49 degrees. A 30 degree swing in one day. That's the kind of whiplash your thermostat files a complaint about. Northern Illinois mirrors the Chicagoland chill. Lows near 16 degrees around 5 A.M. Highs stuck at 27 degrees today. But Tuesday brings 41 degrees with gusts screaming to 40 miles an hour. Hold onto your recycling bins. Now the week ahead tells quite a story. Tuesday is the headliner. Warm, windy, highs in the 40s and 50s statewide. Then Wednesday night, a storm system sneaks in. Snow chances north of I-70. Central Illinois could see a rain and snow mix Thursday morning. Chicagoland and Northern Illinois might wake to a dusting. But the real plot twist? Friday and Saturday push into the 50s. February pretending it's April. Then Sunday, cold air crashes the party again. Today's the quiet before all of that chaos. Grab the heavy coat one more time. Tomorrow you mightn't need it. I'll be tracking that midweek storm all night. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good evening! I'm Aaron Jolly. And this is the Illinois Weather Podcast for Sunday, February 22nd. Folks, winter just remembered it still has a job. That dusting of snow overnight? Just a warm up act. The real show starts this afternoon. Chicagoland, you're up first. Snow showers roll in around 4 P.M. Accumulations stay under half an inch. But the wind is the villain here. Northwest gusts hit 20 to 25 miles an hour. By 5 A.M. Monday, wind chills make it feel like 12 degrees. The kind of cold that finds every zipper gap. Snow lingers until 3 A.M., so Monday's commute could be slick. Drive south into Central Illinois and you dodge the snow entirely. Partly sunny skies this afternoon, almost pleasant looking. Don't be fooled. Temperatures crater to 14 degrees by 6 A.M. Monday. Wind chills dip to minus 12 degrees. Your car's going to protest when you turn that key. Monday afternoon recovers to 30 degrees with sunshine. Up in Northern Illinois, light snow flirts with the area around 4 P.M. Nothing serious. The cold is the headline. Lows tonight bottom out at 12 degrees. Wind chills near minus 12 degrees. Monday warms to 28 degrees. Still below freezing, but progress. Now here's where it gets interesting. Tuesday the whole script flips. Chicagoland jumps to 41 degrees. Central Illinois rockets to 49. Gusty south winds push 35 miles an hour. Then Wednesday night, a system moves in bringing widespread rain, possibly a wintry mix north of I-59 degrees. By Friday? Highs in the 50s statewide. That's a 30 degree swing in four days. Sunrise tomorrow lands at 6:37 A.M., sunset at 5:33 P.M. You're gaining almost three minutes of daylight. Every little bit counts. I'll be tracking that midweek system closely. You'll want to check back Tuesday for the details. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good afternoon! I'm Aaron Jolly. And welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Sunday, February 22nd. Folks, winter just sucker punched us. Step outside right now and you're hit with 23 degrees. But that wind? Northwest at 20 miles an hour, gusting to 30. Wind chills in the single digits. That's the kind of cold that makes your eyes water before you reach the mailbox. We picked up a dusting overnight. Nothing dramatic. But those winds are tossing it around, cutting visibility in spots. Snow showers hang on through early afternoon across Chicagoland, tapering off around 2 P.M. Then the wind takes over as the main character. Down in Chicago, you're topping out at 27 degrees right around 2 P.M. Snow lingers from late morning through the early overnight hours. By 5 A.M. Monday, you've dropped to 20 degrees. Wind chill? Four degrees. That'll freeze exposed skin in about 30 minutes. Push south into Central Illinois and skies stay dry. Same high of 27 degrees, though. Tonight's the kicker. Lows crash to 13 degrees with wind chills diving to minus 13 degrees. For late February, that's just mean. Up across Northern Illinois, a quick snow burst rolls through between 13 degrees and 5 P.M. Highs only reach 25 degrees. Overnight mirrors Central Illinois. Thirteen degrees, minus 13 degrees wind chill. Keep those gloves close. Now here's where it gets wild. Monday stays locked in the freezer. Then Tuesday? The whole script flips. Central Illinois could rocket to 50 degrees. That's a 30 degree swing in 48 hours. Near record warmth. But don't celebrate too hard. A midweek storm threatens snow Wednesday night into Thursday, especially north of a line from Macomb to Champaign. Friday bounces back to the 50s before another cold front crashes the party next weekend. One bright spot. Sunrise hit 6:38 this morning, sunset at 5:33. You're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every single day now. Layer up for tonight. Your future self at 5 A.M. Will be grateful. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Sunday, February 22nd, and folks, winter just borrowed someone's megaphone. That wind is no joke this morning. Step outside and you're not feeling the actual 21 degrees in Chicago. You're feeling 13 degrees. That's the kind of cold that stings your earlobes before you reach the car. Central Illinois? Wind chills bottomed out near minus 1 around 2 A.M. Northern Illinois hovered right at zero by 3 A.M. Gusts are screaming at 20 to 30 miles an hour statewide, and they're turning every doorway into a wind tunnel. Now let's talk how today plays out. Chicagoland claws its way to 27 degrees around 2 P.M. Snow showers linger through tonight. Maybe a dusting, less than half an inch. Enough to make the windshield annoying, not enough to shovel. Drive south to Springfield and you're seeing 27 degrees by 1 P.M., then a nosedive to 14 degrees by 2 A.M. Bone dry, though. Swing over to Rockford and Northern Illinois matches that cold. Highs near 25 degrees around 2 P.M. With a slight chance of light snow early. Here's where it gets interesting. By Tuesday, Chicago hits 42 degrees. Central Illinois soars to 50. That's a 25 degree swing in 48 hours. Your winter coat becomes a light jacket that fast. Wednesday night brings a storm system. There's a decent chance of rain or a snow mix north of the Macomb to Champaign line. But Thursday and Friday? Sunny skies and upper 50s statewide. Practically spring auditions. Monday stays chilly with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s, but the wind finally takes a nap. Then the warmup train rolls in and doesn't stop until Friday. One quick thing. If these forecasts help you plan your week, share us with a neighbor. Word of mouth keeps this going. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Keep those gloves close today, but maybe not forever.

Good evening! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Saturday, February 21st. Folks, winter just called and said it's not done with us yet. Here's the deal. We've got two completely different stories playing out across the state tonight. Down in Chicagoland, snow showers are rolling in this afternoon. The heaviest stuff lands around 10 P.M. About a coin flip on whether you see real accumulation. Temperatures sit near 31 degrees through the evening, then slide to 24 by 7 A.M. Sunday. But here's the thing. Northwest winds at 16 miles an hour make it feel like 9 degrees when you step out tomorrow morning. That's the kind of cold that finds every zipper gap in your jacket. Drive south to Central Illinois and it's a different world. Dry skies, a high of 38 degrees around 13 degrees P.M. today. Almost pleasant. Then the bottom falls out. By tomorrow morning you're at 18 degrees. Winds at 17 miles an hour push that wind chill down to 13 degree around 8 A.M. One. Single. Degree. Northern Illinois? You're seeing highs of just 28 degrees today. Tomorrow morning drops to 18 with wind chills near 13 degrees. Bundle up if you're heading anywhere before noon. Here's your heads up for the week ahead. This cold snap doesn't last. By Tuesday, Central Illinois jumps to 50 degrees. Chicagoland climbs to 42. Northern Illinois hits 41. Feels like a completely different season. Wednesday night brings our next weather maker. Rain mixing with snow north of I 80. Then Friday bounces back with sunny skies and highs near 50 statewide. One more thing. If this forecast helped you plan your weekend, share it with a neighbor. Word of mouth keeps us going. Stay safe out there. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good evening, folks! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast for Saturday, February 21st. Here's the deal. February just pulled a fast one on us. Two inches of fresh snow on the ground this morning, and Chicago's about to get another round. Snow showers roll in around 13 degrees P.M. and hang around until about 13 degrees A.M., peaking near 10 P.M. It won't pile up much, maybe a dusting. But with winds gusting to 25 miles an hour, those flakes are flying sideways. Think snow confetti at a parade nobody asked for. Now drive south on I-55 toward Springfield. Central Illinois actually had a decent day. Sunshine pushed highs to 38 degrees around 13 degrees P.M. Enjoy that memory, because tonight's cold front has teeth. Lows crash to 18 degrees. Wind chills hit 13 degree by 8 A.M. That's a 37 degree temperature swing in half a day. Your car's gonna protest starting tomorrow morning. Up in Rockford and Northern Illinois, you're seeing highs struggling to reach 28 degrees around 13 degrees P.M. Overnight? Down to 18. Wind chills drop to 13 degrees by sunrise. The kind of cold where your nose hairs freeze on the first breath. Chicago tops out at 31 degrees tonight, then slides to 24 by morning. That northwest wind at 16 miles an hour makes it feel like 9 degrees. Single digit wind chills are back, and they brought attitude. Here's your heads up for the week ahead. Monday stays locked in the freezer. Then Tuesday pulls a plot twist. Central Illinois jumps to 50 degrees while the north hits 41. Don't celebrate too hard though. A storm system rolls in Wednesday night with rain and possibly wet snow, especially north of I-80. Friday bounces back to the 50s before another cooldown next weekend. One more thing. If you're enjoying these updates, share us with a neighbor. Helps more Illinois folks stay ahead of the weather. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Stay safe out there!

Good afternoon! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Saturday, February 17th. Folks, step outside right now and you'll feel winter doing its thing. Sharp air, bright sky, and here's the deal. Northern Illinois is shivering in the low 30s while Central Illinois sits comfortably in the upper 30s. Chicagoland splits the difference at 34 degrees. Classic Illinois temperature divide. Now the wind is where it gets interesting. Up north, you're dealing with a steady 10 to 15 miles an hour breeze. That's the kind that sneaks right through your jacket zipper. Drive south into Central Illinois and it's gustier. Northwest wind at 13 miles an hour pushing clouds out like a bouncer at closing time. Chicago's lighter 10 miles an hour wind has less bite. But don't get cocky. Winter's still got receipts. Tonight, temperatures dip into the 20s statewide. Quiet and cold under mostly clear skies. Nothing dramatic. Just February being February. Sunday brings a nice little warm up though. Upper 30s up north, low 40s central, and Chicago might even flirt with the mid 40s. Here's your heads up for the week ahead. We're on a slow climb toward something that actually feels pleasant. By midweek, parts of Central Illinois could touch 50 degrees. No big storms lurking. Just a steady march toward spring's first whispers. And we're gaining daylight fast. Almost 3 extra minutes of sun today alone. Sunrise at 6:32 A.M., sunset at 5:20 P.M. You'll want to soak that up. One more thing. If you're enjoying these daily updates, share us with a friend. Word of mouth keeps this going and we appreciate every single listener. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Stay safe out there, folks!

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Saturday, February 17th, and folks, winter is reminding us who's boss. Step outside right now and you'll feel it. Northern Illinois wakes up at 23 degrees. Central Illinois sits at 24. Chicagoland's the warm kid in class at 28 degrees, but let's be honest. That's still the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze on contact. Here's the thing. Winds are keeping things interesting. Up north, you've got a steady northwest breeze at 10 miles an hour. That's enough to make 23 feel more like 15. Drive south toward Springfield and it softens to 7 miles an hour. Over in Chicago, winds shift from the west. Still chilly, but not punishing. Tonight, temperatures drop further. Northern Illinois dips into the upper teens. Central Illinois and Chicagoland hover in the low 20s. Bone dry air. No snow. Just that sharp, quiet cold that settles into everything. Tomorrow brings a tiny olive branch. Highs climb into the low 30s statewide. Skies stay clear and winds ease up. You'll want to bundle up still, but it won't bite as hard. Here's your heads up for the week ahead. We're sitting in a calm pattern with no storms lurking. A gradual warming trend pushes highs toward 40 degrees by midweek. Still below normal for late February, but after this cold snap, 40 is going to feel like a gift. One bright spot. We're gaining nearly 3 minutes of daylight every single day now. Sunrise at 6:32 A.M., sunset at 5:20 P.M. Your evenings are stretching. Spring is plotting its comeback. So. If this forecast helped you plan your Saturday, share it with a neighbor. Word of mouth keeps us going. Stay safe out there. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow.

Good morning! I'm Aaron Jolly, and welcome to the Illinois Weather Podcast. It's Friday, February 16th, and folks, the wind woke up before you did. Here's the deal. Northern Illinois is sitting at 34 degrees with gusts hitting 20 miles an hour. That's the kind of wind that steals your hat and doesn't apologize. Drive south into Chicagoland and you're at 35 degrees, but gusts punch up to 25 miles an hour. It feels colder than your thermometer says. Now head down to central Illinois and things get friendlier. Highs near 40 degrees. Lighter winds around 15 miles an hour. Not exactly picnic weather, but for mid February? You'll take it. Tonight the wind finally takes a nap. Temperatures drop fast though. Mid 20s up north. Upper 20s around Chicago. Near 30 degrees down south. Quiet and crisp. No snow, no drama. Here's what's coming your way this weekend and beyond. Saturday brings sunshine and low 40s statewide. Sunday pushes into the mid 40s. Perfect for finally getting outside without five layers. Air quality sits in the moderate range, so sensitive groups might want to take it easy. Into next week, dry weather holds. Highs creep toward the upper 40s by Tuesday before a slight midweek cooldown. No storms lurking. No plot twists. Just a slow, steady march toward something that smells like spring. Oh, and here's your daily dose of hope. We're gaining nearly three minutes of daylight every single day now. Sunrise at 6:33 A.M., sunset at 5:18 P.M. That extra evening light? You'll feel it walking to your car after work. One more thing. If this forecast helped you plan your Friday, share it with someone who could use it. Word of mouth keeps us going. Bundle up if you're heading out this morning. That's your forecast — we'll be back tomorrow. Take care!