Illinois awakens to dense fog sticking to highways and homes, distorting stoplights and softening headlights in Champaign and central Illinois.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until 10 a.m. CST, citing visibility of one-quarter mile or less in many regions. The fog formed overnight and persisted early this morning, making driving dangerous on city streets, country roads, and highways such as I-57 and I-74.
Drivers leaving for Christmas morning plans should prepare for sudden visibility decreases. Damp pavement from sporadic drizzle increases the risk. Slower speeds and increased following distance are strongly encouraged.
Conditions progressively improved late this morning. Fog clears by midday as temperatures rise into the low 50s, unusually warm for late December. Visibility increases throughout the afternoon, allowing for more efficient holiday travel.
The calm does not last long.
Forecast models predict fog returning Friday morning, followed by a moderate and breezy day with highs in the low 60s. Friday night remains cloudy, with patchy fog possible. Saturday is quiet and moderate, providing one of the best travel windows of the five-day forecast.
The focus shifts to Sunday and Monday.
Rain is expected Sunday afternoon and evening. As colder air moves in late Sunday night, temperatures plummet dramatically. Wind chills might drop below zero by early Monday, signaling a sharp turn to real winter weather.
If any remaining moisture freezes, road conditions could soon deteriorate. Bridges and untreated surfaces may become black ice during early Monday driving. Gusty winds will intensify the chill, particularly in the morning.
Meteorologists continue to monitor a bigger Midwest cold phenomenon that is creeping in as December comes to a close.
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