Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes in Central Illinois, you know the drill. One day you’re looking for a light jacket, and the next, the wind is trying to take your face off. Right now in Peoria, we are staring down a 10-day stretch that is basically a masterclass in Midwestern mood swings.
As of Sunday, January 18, it’s a chilly 19°F outside. But that number is a bit of a lie. With the southwest wind kicking at 11 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at a biting 6°F. If you’re heading out to Grandview Drive for a walk, you’re going to want the heavy parka.
What the 10-Day Weather Forecast for Peoria Illinois Really Means for Your Week
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and while the sun might make a guest appearance, don't let it fool you. We are looking at a high of only 11°F. It’s going to be one of those "bright but brutal" days where the west wind at 17 mph makes the air feel sharp. The National Weather Service has actually issued a Cold Weather Advisory starting at 3:00 AM Monday through noon.
If you have plans to be outside, seriously, layer up.
Tuesday gives us a little breathing room with a high of 29°F, but the real "warm-up" (and I use that term loosely) hits Wednesday, January 21. We might actually see 34°F. That’s the peak for the week. After that, the mercury starts a slow slide back down into the basement. By next weekend, we’re looking at highs in the low teens and single digits.
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Saturday and Sunday (Jan 24-25) are looking particularly rough. We're talking highs of 11°F and 5°F respectively. If you were planning a trip to the Peoria Riverfront Museum or the zoo, maybe aim for mid-week when it’s at least above freezing for a second.
The Breakdown: Snow and Wind
We aren't seeing any massive blizzards on the immediate horizon, but "nuisance snow" is definitely the theme.
- Sunday Night: 20% chance of snow, mostly cloudy.
- Thursday Night: Snow showers likely as the temperature drops to 17°F.
- Saturday/Sunday: Consistent snow showers with a 20-35% chance.
The wind is the real character in this story. It’s coming mostly from the west and north-northwest. When the wind comes off the fields into the city, it cuts through standard hoodies like they aren't even there.
Survival Tips: More Than Just a Coat
I talked to some locals who swear by the "three-layer rule," and they aren't wrong.
- The Base: Something moisture-wicking. If you sweat while shoveling and that moisture sits on your skin at 10°F, you’re going to be miserable.
- The Middle: This is for insulation. Think wool or a good fleece.
- The Shell: This has to be a windbreaker. If your coat lets the wind through, the other two layers are useless.
Don't forget the extremities. Most of your heat escapes from your head and hands. A pair of Thinsulate gloves and a solid beanie aren't fashion statements right now; they're essential equipment. If you’re driving, make sure your ice scraper isn't buried under a pile of junk in the trunk. You’ll likely need it every morning this week.
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Looking Ahead to Next Week
By Monday, January 26, the light snow sticks around with a high of 17°F. It’s cold, it’s grey, and it’s very "January in Peoria." The humidity is going to stay relatively high—climbing up to 85% by next Sunday—which makes that cold air feel "wet" and heavy.
Basically, keep the salt bag by the front door and the cocoa stocked in the pantry. We’re in the thick of it now.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your car battery today. Extreme cold like what's coming on Monday and next weekend is a notorious battery killer. If your car struggled to start this morning at 19°F, it likely won't start at 5°F next Sunday. Also, if you have outdoor pets, ensure they have heated water bowls; standard bowls will turn into solid ice blocks within an hour in these temperatures.