Illinois – Cold air settles low across open fields as sunlight reflects off frozen sidewalks in east-central Illinois. Temperatures hover near 18 degrees this morning in Champaign, with wind chills dipping into the single digits, making early errands feel sharp and hurried.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, skies stay sunny today with highs reaching the mid-20s. Winds ease through the morning, allowing some melting by afternoon. That relief will be brief. After sunset, temperatures fall back near 19 degrees, increasing the risk for flash freezing on damp pavement, parking lots, and campus walkways near I-57 and Route 45.
Sunday brings gradual improvement. Clouds thin as the day goes on, and highs climb near 31 degrees. Roads improve by midday, though early slick spots remain possible in shaded areas. Sunday night stays calmer but cold, keeping any leftover moisture frozen in place.
The bigger change arrives Monday. Sunshine returns, and highs surge into the mid-40s. Snow piles shrink fast, and sidewalks turn wet rather than icy. Tuesday pushes the shift even further. Afternoon temperatures jump into the upper 50s, feeling more like late March than early February. South winds help drive the warm front north, signaling a broader Midwest thaw.
Midweek turns quieter but cooler. Wednesday settles into the low 40s with more clouds than sun. A rain chance develops Tuesday night, followed by a possible rain-and-snow mix later in the week as temperatures hover near freezing. Impacts appear limited for now.
Looking into the six- to ten-day window, above-normal temperatures remain favored across Illinois. Winter still has time left, but longer cold stretches look less likely. Heading out today? Watch for icy patches after dark and tell us how conditions feel in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Today: Sunny and cold. High near 26°F.
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Low near 19°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High near 31°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and milder. High near 44°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm. High near 57°F.
