It's been weeks since we've seen an above-freezing day in central Illinois.

That's all about to change as we gradually start to warm up heading into next week. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Miller told Regional Radio News this prolonged cold spell has been unique but it isn't a record-setter by any stretch.

But relief is on the way. According to Miller, this weekend will begin the gradual warm-up and by the end of next week, he predicts we'll be in the 40s regularly again like we were in December and January.

As the warm weather moves in, that is likely the end of the snow, at least for now. Miller indicates not only has it been cold for some time but we've also seen several days with at least some form of snowfall. 

Miller does note if temperatures get warm too fast, the melting of all this snow and ice could lead to significant flooding. He is predicting temperatures to remain steadily in the 40s which should lead to an easing of the melting of this snow and be a good thing for the drought we're experiencing. We'll have more on that next week on Regional Radio News.