Some bitter cold temperatures are expected to settle into central Illinois this weekend. 

Chris Miller at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates this was a pattern that he thought might settle in on the midwest a few weeks ago but it bounced back up towards Canada and stayed there. Now it is moving in on central Illinois and is going to hang around.

The La Nina weather pattern has helped stave off these bitter cold temperatures but all the snow on the ground to our north and northwest is helping the cold air surge into the lower midwest. Miller says snow on the ground plays a large role in the decrease in temperatures.

According to Miller, this bitter cold is going to stay around for some time. He estimates it could be around for a couple of weeks. On top of the cold sticking around, he says anticipate some snow periodically during this time as well. 

The cold air could ease after the 15th or 16th of February but there is another surge of cold air the National Weather Service is keeping an eye on. Overall, Miller is anticipating the month of February being cold.