Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes in Central Illinois, you know the drill. You wake up to a frost-covered windshield in the morning and by lunchtime, you’re wondering why on earth you wore a heavy parka. Mount Zion is no exception. It’s a town where the sky can turn from a boring grey to a literal tornado warning in about the time it takes to grab a coffee at a local gas station.
Right now, as of Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, things are looking pretty bleak if you hate the cold.
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The temperature is sitting at exactly 16°F, but don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the west at 10 mph, it actually feels like 3°F out there. We’ve got light snow showers moving through, and the humidity is hanging around 71%. Basically, it’s that damp, biting cold that gets right into your bones.
What to Expect for the Rest of Today
If you were planning on heading out, maybe keep the snow shovel handy. The high for today is only going to hit 19°F, and the low tonight is dropping down to 12°F. The wind is expected to pick up a bit too, reaching around 15 mph from the west. There’s a 30% chance of snow during the day and about a 20% chance it keeps lingering into the night. It’s mostly going to stay cloudy, which is pretty much the standard January vibe for this part of the state.
Why Mount Zion Weather is More Intense Than You Think
Most people think Illinois is just flat cornfields and wind. They’re mostly right, but Mount Zion has a weird habit of catching the "interesting" stuff. Because we’re tucked right near Decatur and Lake Decatur, the moisture and wind patterns can get a little funky.
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Take last month for example. Just a few weeks ago, on December 28, 2025, we had a massive severe weather outbreak. It wasn't even "winter" weather in the traditional sense. A tornado actually touched down and caused significant damage to homes right here and in nearby Long Creek. It’s wild to think about—tornadoes in late December—but that’s the reality of living here lately. The National Weather Service in Lincoln ended up confirming that at least nine homes were hit.
The Seasonal Rollercoaster
If you're new to the area or just visiting, here is the breakdown of what actually happens throughout the year, minus the scientific jargon:
- Winter (December - February): It’s freezing. January is statistically the coldest month, with average highs of 35°F and lows around 21°F. However, as we see today, it often dips much lower. You'll get about 4 inches of snow in a typical January, but it's the ice you really have to watch out for.
- Spring (March - May): This is the "mud and sirens" season. April is the windiest month, averaging 20 mph winds. May is actually the wettest month of the year, bringing about 4.24 inches of rain. This is also when the tornado risk peaks, though as we've seen, that "peak" is starting to stretch into other months.
- Summer (June - August): It gets muggy. July is the hottest, with an average high of 86°F. But the humidity? That’s the real killer. On a bad day in July, the dew point makes it feel like you're walking through a warm soup.
- Fall (September - November): This is the only time the weather is actually nice, and it usually only lasts about three weeks. September starts warm (highs of 80°F) and by November, you're back down to 52°F.
The Error Everyone Makes with Mount Zion Forecasts
The biggest mistake? Trusting a "general" Illinois forecast.
Mount Zion often sits right on the transition line for snow-to-rain ratios. If the "Decatur" forecast says two inches of snow, Mount Zion might get four, or it might get a quarter-inch of ice instead. The proximity to the lake and the local topography means you really have to watch the radar yourself.
Honestly, the "feels like" temperature is the only number that matters here. Today’s 3°F wind chill is a perfect example. If you go outside dressed for 16 degrees, you’re going to have a bad time.
Survival Tips for Local Weather
- The Gas Tank Rule: In winter, never let your tank drop below half. If you get stuck on Route 121 in a whiteout, you’ll want that heater running.
- Summertime Storms: If the sky turns that weird bruised-purple color, don't wait for the sirens. Get to the basement. The December 2025 tornado proved that these storms move faster than the alerts sometimes do.
- Humidity Management: If you’re moving here, get a good dehumidifier for the basement. Between the humid July air and the heavy spring rains, your house will thank you.
Looking Ahead
For the rest of this week, keep the heavy coats out. We’re looking at highs staying mostly below freezing through Tuesday, with another potential dusting of snow on Sunday.
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If you're planning any outdoor work or travel, keep an eye on the wind speeds specifically. Even a "warm" 30-degree day can feel miserable if the prairie winds are whipping at 20 mph.
To stay safe this weekend, make sure your phone's emergency alerts are turned on, especially since we've seen how unpredictable the "light snow" can be when it decides to turn into a full-blown squall. Check your tire pressure too; these 16-degree mornings are notorious for triggering those annoying dashboard sensors.