Illinois wakes up cold and quiet, but the wind is already building across Champaign. Temperatures sit near 16°F this morning with wind chills in the single digits. Frost clings to parked cars, and sidewalks feel stiff underfoot.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, highs climb to around 43°F today under cloudy skies. South winds increase to 19 to 24 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to 38 mph. That breeze will be noticeable along I-57 and I-74, especially on open stretches near Savoy and Urbana.
Clouds linger tonight with lows near 28°F. Sunshine returns Wednesday with highs near 44°F, but changes arrive quickly after sunset. Rain develops Wednesday evening, then transitions to snow before midnight. Snow becomes likely late, with 1 to 2 inches possible by early Thursday.
Even light accumulation can turn roads slick fast, especially where daytime melting refreezes. Watch for patchy ice on bridges and rural routes. Plan extra time for the Thursday morning commute.
Thursday brings a 30 percent chance of lingering snow before skies gradually brighten. Highs stay near 43°F. By Friday, sunshine pushes temperatures to around 55°F, delivering a brief stretch of spring warmth across central Illinois. Saturday remains mild in the mid-50s before cooler air returns Sunday.
Longer-range trends favor above-normal temperatures into early March, signaling gradual spring vibes ahead.
Are you noticing stronger winds in your area yet? Let us know how conditions look near you.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
Today: Cloudy and breezy, high 43°F.
Wednesday: Sunny, high 44°F.
Thursday: Chance of snow early, high 43°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 55°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 54°F.
