Weather
Illinois Weather Alert: Champaign Rain Wednesday, 31° Thursday
Illinois – Residents across Champaign, Urbana, Savoy and surrounding Champaign County communities face changing weather conditions heading toward Veterans Day and the second half of the week.
By Claire Benton · 2026-11-08T11:05:46.933Z
Illinois – Residents across Champaign, Urbana, Savoy and surrounding Champaign County communities face changing weather conditions heading toward Veterans Day and the second half of the week.
According to the National Weather Service office in Lincoln, Illinois, sunshine will dominate the early week before a chance of rain arrives Wednesday afternoon.
The bigger concern develops later, when colder temperatures return Thursday night and Friday morning.
Warm November Weather Peaks Tuesday Sunday, Nov. 8, began with freezing temperatures at the University of Illinois Willard Airport.
The airport reported 32 degrees early Sunday morning, with fair skies and west winds near 8 mph.
Temperatures are expected to rebound to approximately 61 degrees during the afternoon.
Monday, Nov. 9, brings another sunny day with a high near 62 degrees.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, delivers the warmest afternoon of the period, with temperatures reaching approximately 66 degrees.
That provides a favorable window for leaf cleanup, outdoor projects and preparations before colder air returns.
Veterans Day Brings a Rain Chance Wednesday, Nov. 11, introduces the week's first notable precipitation opportunity.
The National Weather Service projects a 30% chance of rain after noon.
Temperatures should reach approximately 61 degrees under partly sunny skies.
Northeast winds around 5 to 7 mph are expected during the afternoon.
Residents attending outdoor Veterans Day ceremonies should keep a light jacket and umbrella available.
The rain chance does not currently indicate a widespread storm or significant rainfall event.
Wednesday night turns mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling toward 38 degrees.
Thursday Night Could Bring Freezing Temperatures Thursday, Nov. 12, marks the beginning of a sharper cooldown.
Afternoon temperatures reach only around 50 degrees, approximately 16 degrees below Tuesday's projected high.
Thursday night brings partly cloudy skies and a low near 31 degrees.
That would put portions of Champaign County below the freezing mark.
Sensitive vegetation, remaining garden plants and exposed outdoor water connections may need attention.
Residents should consider protecting vulnerable plants before temperatures fall.
Although freezing temperatures are expected, the supplied forecast does not indicate snow or freezing rain.
No specific icy road threat is established by this outlook.
Colder Friday Before a Modest Weekend Recovery Friday, Nov. 13, remains mostly sunny, with a high near 47 degrees.
Temperatures drop toward 31 degrees again Friday night.
Saturday, Nov. 14, brings sunshine and a modest rebound to approximately 53 degrees.
Drivers using Interstate 57, Interstate 72 and Interstate 74 should monitor updated weather conditions, particularly during colder morning travel periods.
For now, the forecast does not indicate widespread winter travel disruptions.
Champaign Urbana Five Day Weather Outlook Monday, Nov. 9: Sunny, high 62°F. Mostly clear Monday night, low 42°F. Tuesday, Nov. 10: Sunny, high 66°F. Partly cloudy Tuesday night, low 41°F. Wednesday, Nov. 11: Partly sunny, high 61°F. A 30% chance of afternoon rain. Mostly cloudy Wednesday night, low 38°F. Thursday, Nov. 12: Partly sunny, high 50°F. Partly cloudy Thursday night, low 31°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Mostly sunny, high 47°F. Partly cloudy Friday night, low 31°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Sunny, with temperatures recovering to approximately 53 degrees.
Could Snow Arrive Before Thanksgiving? November's colder nights serve as a reminder that winter weather is approaching central Illinois.
However, the current National Weather Service outlook does not indicate snow accumulation or a winter storm through Saturday.
A specific snow threat for Thanksgiving week cannot yet be established from the available forecast.
Residents should use the milder afternoons to prepare outdoor spaces and continue monitoring updated weather information.
Are you ready for temperatures near 31 degrees again, or would you rather keep Tuesday's 66 degree warmth? Tell us what you're seeing around Champaign Urbana.