WMBD 31 Chief Meteorologist Marcus Bailey's latest snowfall totals indicate 1-3 inches in McLean County on Thursday. (Photo Courtesy Marcus Bailey)

By Paul Morello

LINCOLN - Despite starting the week in the mid 50's, wintry conditions will return to Central Illinois on Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Tazewell, Logan, Woodford, Peoria and Marshall counties until 6 a.m. Friday 

WMBD 31 Chief Meteorologist Marcus Bailey said 1-3 inches of snow is expected in McLean and Livingston counties, but higher totals of 3-5 inches are expected farther west.

The National Weather Service said snow will develop over parts of West Central Illinois by noon Thursday and will then push east. East winds will increase to between 15 and 20 miles per hour with gusts reaching 30 mph, which could produce drifting snow.

The low Thursday night will drop to 27 degrees. Freezing drizzle is expected Friday morning as temperatures increase to 36 degrees.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.