LINCOLN - Lower gas prices and near-perfect weather conditions could spark an increase in Thanksgiving holiday traffic, say officials with the Illinois State Police. "We're looking at some great weather all the way through Sunday," said Matt Barnes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln. | How much is too much on Thanksgiving?

"The models indicate decent temperatures and no rain or snow. There may be some rain if you head south into Kentucky or Missouri, but as far as the immediate region, it looks good."

Barnes believes daytime temperatures will range from afternoon highs in the mid to upper 40s to overnight lows around 30. There won't be much variance day to day.

"It doesn't look like we will see any problems in any portion of Illinois, for the next four to six days," Barnes said. "It will be a few degrees cooler to the north and a few degrees warmer to the south. Basically, it's pretty normal for this time of year."

You more likely will see a heavy presence by Illinois State Police. Officers are expected to saturate interstate highways with a police car approximately every 10 miles Wednesday and Sunday.

"We call it 'Stay Alive on the I's' and it's designed to provide high visibility enforcement on those highways most heavily traveled on key holiday weekends," said District 6 safety education Officer Joe Dittmer.

Dittmer said troopers will be on the lookout for any illegal activity, but will pay close attention to infractions for DUI, speeding, seat belt usage, improper lane usage and following too closely.

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 12 fatal traffic accidents left 18 people dead. Seven of those accidents were alcohol-related.

Extra patrols will be on the road from noon until 10 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday.

All construction on state highway projects will be halted Wednesday through Sunday as well.