Illinois — Breath fogs the air across east-central Illinois this morning as winter tightens its grip early. The cold feels sharp now, but it won’t last long.
Champaign wakes up near 21 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. A light northeast breeze adds bite, keeping wind chills in the low teens. Roads remain dry, yet untreated sidewalks and parking lots stay slick from refrozen moisture. Afternoon sunshine slowly breaks through clouds, but highs reach only the mid-20s, keeping winter firmly in control.
Cold conditions linger tonight. Temperatures drop near 11 degrees, and calm winds allow frost to redevelop quickly. Bridges and ramps along I-57 cool fast, raising localized slick spots for early drivers.
Thursday begins a gradual transition. Clouds dominate again, though southwest winds strengthen through the day. Highs climb toward the upper 20s, still chilly but trending upward. Gusts approach 20 mph at times, pushing milder air into the region.
Thursday night stays mostly cloudy, with lows near 23. That sets the stage for a noticeable change by Friday morning.
Friday delivers the shift many have been waiting for. Sunshine returns, winds turn breezy from the northwest, and temperatures rise to around 40 degrees. Snowpack melts quickly, leaving wet pavement and puddles in low spots. Travel conditions improve overall, though refreezing remains possible after sunset as temperatures fall into the upper teens.
Saturday turns cooler again but brighter. Mostly sunny skies help highs reach near 29 degrees. Saturday night dips to the low 20s under increasing clouds.
Sunday trends milder once more. Partly sunny skies push highs into the mid-30s, continuing a slow February warm-up.
Looking ahead, early next week turns even milder. Highs approach 40 Monday and near 50 by Tuesday, signaling a broader warming trend across central Illinois.
Plan for cold mornings, melting afternoons, and refreezing at night. How different did it feel outside compared to yesterday where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Today: Partly sunny and cold; high near 25
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and breezy; high near 29
- Friday: Partly sunny; high near 40
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; high near 29
- Sunday: Partly sunny; high near 35
