Central Illinois Shivers Through Coldest Day Since April
A passing cold front brought the coldest daytime highs to Central Illinois since April 7, with freezing temperatures expected overnight.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Current Conditions
Central Illinois recorded its coldest temperatures since early April on Friday, November 6, 2026, with daytime highs in the upper 40s and northerly winds up to 20 miles per hour. A cold front that passed through Thursday brought the cooler air into the region.
Why it matters
The sharp drop, with morning temperatures starting in the 40s and wind chill making it feel like the 30s to lower 40s, marks a notable seasonal shift for residents across the state. Widespread freezing conditions overnight Friday into Saturday raise the risk of frost across Illinois.
Northerly winds reach up to 20 miles per hour, with overnight lows dropping into the upper 20s for most areas. Forecasters have not specified how long the freezing conditions will persist beyond Friday night.
The details
The chill follows a passing cold front on Thursday, November 5, which pushed cooler air into the region. Some areas are expected to remain near the freezing point, and temperatures are projected to rebound to near 60 on Sunday before another cold front drops highs near 50 late next week.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Cold front passes through Central Illinois.
Friday, November 6, 2026: Coldest daytime highs since April 7 are recorded.
Friday night, November 6, 2026: Widespread freezing temperatures and frost are expected.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Highs reach the upper 40s to lower 50s.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Temperatures rebound to near 60.
Seasonal Patterns
The Friday high is the coldest since April 7, when Peoria last recorded highs in the 40s, placing this early-November cold snap against the spring benchmark for the region. Forecasts call for a rebound to near 60 by Sunday, followed by another cold front dropping temperatures near 50 late next week.
Overnight lows in the upper 20s create a freezing risk for unprotected plants, pipes, and vehicles Friday night into Saturday morning. Residents should cover sensitive outdoor items and dress warmly for wind chill in the 30s to lower 40s.
The takeaway
Early-November cold snaps like this one can catch residents off guard after a mild stretch, so checking the overnight forecast before bed helps protect plants, pipes, and vehicles. The coldest air in months arrives quickly, and a rebound to near 60 by Sunday shows how fast conditions can swing across the state.
What happens next
Another cold front is expected to drop temperatures near 50 degrees late next week, with highs in the mid-50s range projected to follow the rebound to near 60 on Sunday.
Further reading
Track the latest readings in the Current Conditions section for changing temperatures across Illinois.
