Champaign, Ill. – Central Illinois is baking under oppressive heat this week, with Champaign and surrounding cities facing heat index values as high as 107°F and daily rounds of thunderstorms expected through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Heat Advisory is in effect across central Illinois, including Champaign County, as temperatures soar into the mid-90s each afternoon. Heat indices between 100°F and 107°F will be common, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. Scattered thunderstorms, with 30% to 50% coverage, may develop during the late afternoon and evening hours but won’t reach every location.
In Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, and nearby towns, residents are urged to limit outdoor activity between noon and 6 p.m., stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous work outdoors. The combination of extreme heat and elevated humidity will raise the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for outdoor workers and those without air conditioning.
Power demand may increase as air conditioners run at full blast, and any thunderstorms could briefly knock out service or cause localized flooding in low-lying streets.
The heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday evening, with a slightly cooler but still stormy pattern continuing into the weekend.
🔥 Central Illinois 5-Day Forecast (Including Champaign)
- Tuesday: High 88–96°F | Heat Index: 97–106°F | 30% chance of PM storms
- Wednesday: High 89–96°F | Heat Index: 98–107°F | 40% chance of PM storms
- Thursday: High 91–95°F | Heat Index: 97–105°F | 30% chance of storms
- Friday: High 89–93°F | Heat Index: 95–103°F | 50% chance of storms
- Saturday: High 88–92°F | Heat Index: 94–103°F | 50% chance of storms
