Illinois begins the day under a thick gray sky and a biting 15-degree chill in Champaign. Northwest winds gust near 25 mph, driving wind chills down to around 2 below zero. A few flurries drift across open fields, and sidewalks feel slick where thin snow dusted the pavement.
Drivers along I-74 and I-57 should use caution this morning. Wind chills remain near zero through mid-morning, and shaded stretches may hold onto icy patches. Highs reach near 30 degrees this afternoon as skies gradually brighten.
Tonight turns colder again with lows near 19 degrees. Any melted snow could refreeze after sunset, creating classic February flash-freeze spots on bridges and overpasses.
A sharp warm-up arrives Tuesday. Highs climb to 43 degrees with breezy south winds gusting up to 39 mph. Snowpack melts quickly, and water may pool along curbs by late day.
Midweek weather becomes more active. Wednesday stays sunny with highs near 43 degrees. By Wednesday night, rain and snow become likely after midnight with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Light accumulations are possible into early Thursday, especially if temperatures dip toward 28 degrees.
Thursday brings another 40 percent chance of rain and snow before partial sunshine returns. Then spring vibes build fast. Friday reaches 53 degrees, and Saturday pushes near 56 degrees under mostly sunny skies. The 6-to-10-day outlook favors above-normal temperatures into early March across central Illinois.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
Monday: Chance of flurries, high 30.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, high 43.
Wednesday: Sunny, high 43.
Thursday: Chance rain/snow, high 39.
Friday: Sunny, high 53.
