Illinois – Frost coats windshields across central Illinois this morning as breath hangs in the air and pavement feels stiff underfoot. The cold is sharp now, but it will not last.
Temperatures sit near 20°F early in Champaign, with wind chills closer to the teens. A steady south breeze adds bite during the morning drive, especially on exposed roads like I-57 and Route 45. Drivers should expect patchy slick spots on bridges and shaded pavement early.
Skies turn partly sunny today, helping highs climb toward 31°F by afternoon. To be fair, that sunshine works against us later. Any melting on sidewalks and parking lots refreezes tonight as temperatures fall back into the lower 20s. Plan slower travel after sunset and watch for black ice near campus and residential streets.
Monday signals a shift. Milder air pushes in, lifting highs into the low 40s with light winds. Snow piles shrink fast, and runoff increases along curbs and low spots. By Tuesday, February warmth peaks. Highs reach near 50°F under mostly sunny skies, a dramatic turnaround for early February.
Meteorologists are tracking this warm front carefully. Rapid melting during the day, followed by cooling at night, raises the risk of flash freezing through midweek. Keep footwear and driving plans flexible.
Wednesday stays seasonable, with highs near 43°F and partial sun. Clouds thicken Wednesday night, and colder air slowly returns. By Thursday, highs slip back toward 40°F with mostly cloudy skies. A slight chance of snow late Thursday night cannot be ruled out, especially as temperatures dip below freezing.
Looking into the 6–10 day window, above-normal temperatures remain favored across the Midwest. Despite frozen Great Lakes, a broader thaw appears likely heading deeper into February.
For now, dress for a cold morning, enjoy the mild afternoons, and stay alert when temperatures fall after dark. Are roads icy where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook – Champaign, IL
• Today: Partly sunny, high 31°F
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high 42°F
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 50°F
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 43°F
• Thursday: Cloudy, high 40°F
