Honestly, if you've lived in Southern Illinois for more than a week, you know the drill. The sky looks perfect one second, and the next, you’re digging for an ice scraper.
Right now, West Frankfort is sitting at a crisp 26°F. It’s sunny out, which is kind of a tease because that northwest wind at 7 mph makes it feel more like 19°F. If you’re heading out to the VF Outlet or just grabbing a coffee, don’t let the blue sky fool you. It’s biting.
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The Immediate Forecast Breakdown
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 33°F. That’s basically the ceiling. By tonight, the clouds are moving in, and the temperature is going to tank to 19°F.
There’s a slight 10% chance of snow during the day, which usually just means a few stray flakes that won't even stick to the sidewalk. Tonight, that chance bumps up to 20%. It’s not a blizzard, but with west winds picking up to 10 mph, it’s going to be a cold, gray evening.
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Why Southern Illinois Weather is Such a Mess
People always talk about the "January Thaw," but in West Frankfort, January is historically the cloudiest month of the year. We’re talkin' overcast skies about 51% of the time.
The humidity is currently around 42%, which is actually pretty dry for us. Usually, our humidity spikes, making the cold feel like it’s actually soaking into your bones. Experts at the National Weather Service often point out that Southern Illinois sits in this weird transition zone. We get the moisture from the Gulf and the freezing blasts from the Plains. It’s a recipe for "I don't know what coat to wear today."
Historical Reality vs. This Week
Normally, West Frankfort averages a high of 41°F in January. We’re currently running about 8 degrees below that.
- Today's High: 33°F
- Historical Average High: 41°F
- Record Lows: Can easily dip into the negatives when the Polar Vortex decides to visit.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Friday, January 16, things might get a little messy. Some models are showing a mix of clouds and sun early on, but the afternoon could bring more significant cloud cover. If you’re planning a weekend trip up to St. Louis or just down to Marion, keep an eye on the wind. It’s expected to stay blustery.
Survival Tips for the 62896 Cold Snap
Layers. Obviously. But specifically, watch the UV Index. It’s only at a 2 today, so you’re not going to get a sunburn, but the glare off any light dusting of snow can be killer on the eyes while driving down Highway 149.
Make sure your tire pressure is holding up. These 10-to-20-degree temperature swings are exactly what triggers that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
Basically, the weather forecast West Frankfort IL is telling us to stay hunkered down tonight. The 44% humidity and dropping temps mean that any moisture on the roads could turn into those localized slick spots by morning.
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Keep the heavy coat handy. The sun is nice while it lasts, but that 19°F low tonight is the real story.
Check your antifreeze levels and maybe keep an extra blanket in the trunk. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be stuck on the side of I-57 in a Southern Illinois deep freeze.