Champaign, IL – A cold blast threatens spring growth as Champaign faces a Freeze Watch Monday night into Tuesday morning, with temperatures dropping as low as 25°F.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, IL, the alert spans central and east-central Illinois, including Springfield, Decatur, Danville, and Champaign. The watch begins late Monday night, April 7, and continues through Tuesday morning, April 8, bringing sub-freezing conditions that could kill tender crops, damage vegetation, and harm exposed plumbing.
Residents should act now to protect plants and outdoor pipes. The NWS states there is a 60 to 90 percent chance of a hard freeze, with lows below 28°F. Frost is especially likely in low-lying and rural areas surrounding Champaign.
The forecast for Monday night calls for mostly clear skies with a low near 26°F, followed by a sunny Tuesday with highs around 47°F. Another chilly night follows, dipping again to 33°F, though not as dangerously cold.
Extended 5-Day Outlook for Champaign:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 56°F. Breezy with gusts up to 25 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Chance of rain and storms. Low around 43°F.
- Thursday: 40% chance of showers. High around 57°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy, high of 59°F.
- Saturday: Sunny skies continue with highs in the mid-60s.


