Champaign, Illinois – Light rain on windshields and swirling leaves kicked off Sunday across central Illinois, but stronger gusts and falling temperatures are just ahead. After a soggy and breezy Sunday morning, early signs of a seasonal cooldown will arrive quickly — with wind gusts over 30 mph possible both Monday and Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a marginal risk for severe weather lingers Sunday morning, particularly across eastern and southeastern counties. Storms may briefly produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall, though the threat tapers before noon. Skies gradually clear by afternoon with highs near 62°F, setting the stage for a warm and windy start to the week.
Monday brings sunshine and rising temperatures, reaching 68°F across Champaign and neighboring counties. South winds will steadily increase through the day, peaking near 20 mph with higher gusts. But by Tuesday, colder air surges in behind the front, dropping highs to the lower 60s and bringing gusts up to 34 mph across open stretches of Route 72, I-57, and surrounding rural roads.
Lows dip close to freezing by Wednesday night — possibly the first frost event for much of central and east-central Illinois. Gardeners and early risers should prepare now to protect plants or sensitive gear left outdoors. No snow in the models yet, but the pattern hints at further drops into next weekend.
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
- Sunday: Showers ending, breezy. High 62°F, gusts near 37 mph.
- Monday: Sunny and breezy. High 68°F, gusts up to 25 mph.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, windy. High 62°F, low 41°F. Gusts to 34 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 58°F, low near 36°F.
- Thursday: Chilly start, sunny. High 59°F, early frost possible.
