Illinois – A stiff northeast wind sweeps across open fields this morning, and the air feels sharp at 27 degrees in Champaign. Gray clouds hang low, and wind chills sit in the teens, keeping sidewalks cold and brittle.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, mostly cloudy skies hold through today with highs near 40. Light snow develops late tonight, mainly after 9 p.m., and continues into early Monday. Minor accumulation is possible. Roads may turn slick in spots, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces along I-57 and I-74 by the Monday morning drive.
A brief lull follows Monday afternoon with highs near 43. Then the pattern turns active. Rain becomes likely Monday night and continues Tuesday with a 90 percent chance of steady showers. Highs climb to 54 Tuesday and 63 Wednesday. Repeated rounds of rain from Tuesday through Friday could total over an inch, raising concerns for ponding in low-lying areas and rises on local creeks.
Plan for slower travel Monday morning if snow develops. This is prime flash-freeze season. Melted snow during the day can refreeze quickly after sunset when temperatures slip back toward freezing.
By late week, temperatures push into the upper 60s. Early March daylight is increasing quickly, and clocks spring forward at 2 a.m. next Sunday, March 8. A milder 6–10 day trend suggests above-normal readings ahead.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
Monday: Slight chance snow early, high 43.
Tuesday: Showers, high 54.
Wednesday: Showers likely, high 63.
Thursday: Showers likely, high 63.
Friday: Showers likely, high 68.
