Weather
Central Illinois Weather Alert: Sunday Freeze to 60s Nov. 15-19
ILLINOIS — Frosty windshields and biting November air are greeting Central Illinois residents as temperatures begin a dramatic climb toward 70 degrees.
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-11-15T11:27:54.045Z
ILLINOIS — Frosty windshields and biting November air are greeting Central Illinois residents as temperatures begin a dramatic climb toward 70 degrees.
Champaign and Urbana could experience a 44 degree temperature difference between Sunday's early morning reading and Saturday's projected afternoon high.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures at Willard Airport dropped to 25 degrees early Sunday, November 15.
The latest outlook shows a steady warming trend through the week, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the upper 60s by Saturday.
Freezing Start Gives Way to Afternoon Sunshine Sunday begins with a winterlike chill across Champaign County, where temperatures were well below freezing before sunrise.
However, sunshine should push afternoon temperatures toward 53 degrees, creating a noticeable improvement for outdoor activities.
Calm winds will accompany the warmer afternoon conditions.
The relief will be temporary.
Temperatures fall toward 28 degrees Sunday night, bringing another opportunity for frost across exposed surfaces.
Drivers using Interstate 57, Interstate 72 and Interstate 74 should watch for isolated slick patches where lingering moisture freezes.
No widespread icing or snow accumulation is indicated in the supplied National Weather Service outlook.
Monday and Tuesday Bring Gradual Warming Monday continues the warming trend, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 55 degrees.
Light winds should provide comfortable conditions for afternoon errands, walking and outdoor work.
Monday night remains chilly, with temperatures dropping toward 30 degrees.
Tuesday brings additional sunshine and highs near 57 degrees.
Southwest winds develop around 6 mph during the morning before temperatures settle near 34 degrees Tuesday night.
For residents preparing for work or school, jackets remain useful during the colder morning hours.
Wednesday and Thursday Bring a Bigger Temperature Jump Wednesday marks another turning point as temperatures climb toward 60 degrees.
South winds increase to 6 13 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 20 mph.
Wednesday night remains noticeably milder, with temperatures around 42 degrees.
By Thursday, mostly sunny skies push temperatures toward 64 degrees.
That represents a substantial improvement from the freezing conditions observed earlier in the week.
The broader National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center discussion indicates high pressure supporting generally dry conditions across portions of the eastern United States.
Although storms are affecting other parts of the country, no local thunderstorm or tornado threat appears in Champaign's supplied five day outlook.
Five Day Champaign Urbana Weather Outlook: Nov. 15 19 Sunday, Nov. 15: Sunny, high 53°F. Calm winds. Mostly clear Sunday night, low 28°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Sunny, high 55°F. Light winds. Mostly clear Monday night, low 30°F. Tuesday, Nov. 17: Sunny, high 57°F. Southwest winds around 6 mph. Mostly clear Tuesday night, low 34°F. Wednesday, Nov. 18: Mostly sunny, high 60°F. South winds 6 13 mph, gusting to 20 mph. Partly cloudy Wednesday night, low 42°F. Thursday, Nov. 19: Mostly sunny and warmer, high 64°F. Partly cloudy Thursday night, low 44°F. Looking Ahead: Nov. 20 21 Friday brings mostly sunny skies and temperatures approaching 66 degrees.
Friday night remains relatively mild, with temperatures around 48 degrees.
Saturday could become the warmest day of the period, with highs approaching 69 degrees.
The National Weather Service also indicates a chance of rain Saturday, although the supplied outlook does not specify a precipitation percentage.
For now, residents should prepare for freezing mornings followed by increasingly comfortable afternoons.
How cold did it feel in Champaign, Urbana or Savoy this morning? Are you ready for temperatures approaching 70 degrees next weekend? Share your observations below.