Illinois – Thunder rumbles and flashes of lightning are already cutting through the air in Champaign this morning, and stronger storms are expected to build as the day unfolds. Roads may be wet early, but conditions could worsen quickly by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, scattered storms develop today before a more organized and potentially severe line arrives late afternoon into the evening. Some storms could produce hail larger than golf balls, damaging wind gusts approaching 70 mph, and isolated tornadoes.
Champaign, Urbana, and Rantoul are in the path of the strongest storms, especially along I-74 and surrounding roadways. Expect sudden downpours and rapidly dropping visibility during the evening commute. Plan extra time and avoid driving through water-covered roads.
Storms intensify into the evening hours before gradually weakening overnight. Lightning and gusty winds remain the primary hazards early, shifting toward damaging winds as storms organize.
By Friday, cooler air moves in with highs near 47°F and lingering showers early. Skies gradually clear, but temperatures fall sharply into the upper 20s by late night.
That sharp cooldown may lead to refreezing on wet surfaces early Saturday. Watch for black ice on bridges and untreated roads.
The weekend brings calmer weather with sunshine and highs near 51°F Saturday, then warming into the upper 50s Sunday. Early next week surges warmer, with highs pushing toward the upper 70s and additional storm chances returning.
Stay weather-aware as conditions evolve quickly. Are storms already impacting your area?
Five Day Forecast for Champaign, Illinois:
Friday: Chance of showers early, then clearing, high near 47°F
Saturday: Sunny, high near 51°F
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 59°F
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 78°F
Tuesday: Chance of rain, high near 76°F
