Illinois – Headlights glow dimly through thick gray fog across central Illinois this morning. Drivers along Interstate 72 and Interstate 57 creep through pockets of reduced visibility while damp pavement reflects the early daylight.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. across parts of central Illinois. Visibility has dropped near one-quarter mile in some areas around Champaign, Urbana, and nearby rural highways. Motorists should slow down and leave extra distance between vehicles.
Patchy fog gradually lifts later this morning as temperatures surge unusually high for early March. Afternoon highs may reach around 74 degrees, nearly 25 degrees above seasonal averages. Winds from the south could gust near 30 mph, pushing warmer air across the region.
A few isolated showers or thunderstorms may develop later today. Rain chances remain relatively low during the afternoon, but conditions could turn more active tonight as a stronger band of showers and storms approaches central Illinois.
By Saturday, widespread showers and gusty winds move through the Champaign and Lincoln areas. Rain chances climb near 70 percent, and breezy conditions may push gusts above 30 mph across open farmland and highways.
The pattern improves quickly afterward. Sunday brings bright sunshine and cooler but comfortable air, with highs near 61 degrees across central Illinois.
Early Sunday morning also marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, when clocks move forward at 2 a.m. The change means brighter evenings heading deeper into March.
The warming trend continues early next week. Monday could reach 72 degrees, bringing a strong taste of early spring across Illinois before another round of rain arrives by Tuesday afternoon.
Meteorologists also remind drivers that this time of year can bring flash freezing if daytime melting refreezes on bridges at night.
Are you seeing dense fog where you live this morning in central Illinois? Let us know what conditions look like near you.
Five Day Outlook — Champaign, Illinois
Saturday: Breezy with showers likely. High 65°F.
Sunday: Sunny and pleasant. High 61°F.
Monday: Sunny and warmer. High 72°F.
Tuesday: Showers likely by afternoon. High 73°F.
Wednesday: Breezy with scattered showers. High 60°F.
