Cooler Start to Week, Freeze Possible Tuesday

A Freeze Watch has been issued for parts of Central Illinois as temperatures drop below freezing overnight.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:22pm

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After a pleasant Easter Sunday, temperatures will take a dip early this week, with a Freeze Watch in effect for Tuesday morning. Highs will run below normal, but a warming trend is expected by midweek, with temperatures returning to the 70s. Daily rain chances also increase as the week progresses, with the potential for storms by Thursday and Friday.

Why it matters

Sudden drops in temperature can pose a threat to sensitive outdoor vegetation, prompting the need for precautionary measures like covering plants. The changing weather patterns also impact daily activities and plans for residents in the region.

The details

A Freeze Watch has been issued for counties along and south of the I-74 corridor, from Peoria County to Mason and Logan Counties. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, potentially impacting sensitive outdoor plants. After a chilly start to the week, with highs in the upper 40s to 50s, temperatures will rebound quickly by midweek, climbing about 20 degrees and returning to the 70s. Daily rain chances also increase midweek, with the potential for storms by Thursday and Friday.

  • A Freeze Watch has been issued for Monday night into Tuesday morning.
  • Temperatures are expected to drop to near 28 degrees for some on Tuesday morning.
  • By midweek, temperatures will rebound, climbing about 20 degrees and returning to the 70s to finish the week.
  • Daily rain chances increase midweek, with the potential for storms by Thursday and Friday.

The players

25News First Alert Weather Team

The weather forecasting team at 25News, providing updates on the changing weather conditions in Central Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“Temperatures will drop to near 28 degrees for some Tuesday morning.”

— 25News First Alert Weather Team

“Cool start to the week, but warm up returns mid-week to the 70s.”

— 25News First Alert Weather Team

“Daily rain chances return by mid-week.”

— 25News First Alert Weather Team

What’s next

Residents in the affected counties should take steps to protect any sensitive outdoor vegetation ahead of the expected freeze on Tuesday morning.

The takeaway

The changing weather patterns in Central Illinois this week, with a brief cool spell followed by a warming trend and increased rain chances, highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared for shifting conditions to ensure the safety of people and their property.