Frost or freezing conditions expected tonight
across central and southeast Illinois    

[OCT. 1, 2003]  A large area of high pressure over the plains will build across Illinois tonight (Wednesday). The very cool and dry air mass associated with this high will allow temps to plummet this evening, falling into the upper 20s or lower 30s by morning. Temperatures this cold will allow widespread frost to develop across central and southeast Illinois tonight. Freezing conditions are expected across many areas as well, primarily north of Interstate 70.

For the counties of Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fulton, Knox, Logan, Macon, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Vermilion and Woodford, including the cities of Beardstown, Bloomington, Canton, Champaign, Charleston, Clinton, Danville, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Havana, Jacksonville, Lacon, Lewistown, Lincoln, Mason City, Mattoon, Monticello, Paris, Pekin, Peoria, Rantoul, Rushville, Shelbyville, Springfield, Sullivan, Taylorville, Tuscola, Virginia and Winchester:

Freeze warning for tonight

Clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall quickly tonight. The readings will fall below freezing overnight, with overnight lows expected to range from the upper 20s to around 30 degrees. This will result in widespread frost and freezing conditions.

Remember, a freeze warning means hazardous weather conditions are imminent or highly likely. Those with agricultural interests in the warned area are advised to harvest or protect tender vegetation. Also, potted plants normally left outdoors should be covered or brought inside away from the cold.

For the counties of Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence and Richland, including the cities of Effingham, Flora, Lawrenceville, Marshall, Newton, Olney, Robinson and Toledo:

Frost advisory for tonight

Clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall quickly tonight. Readings will fall to around freezing overnight, with overnight lows expected to be in the lower 30s. This will result in widespread frost development.

A frost advisory is issued when frost is expected to develop during the growing season. Those with agricultural interests in the advisory area should harvest or protect tender vegetation. Also, potted plants normally left outdoors should be covered or brought inside away from the cold.

[News release Wednesday noon]

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