Champaign, Ill. – A soft haze drifts across campus streets this Saturday morning, blurring traffic lights and leaving a damp sheen on sidewalks as Thanksgiving travel accelerates across central Illinois. The air feels cool and heavy, and the slow lift of patchy fog forces cautious driving along I-57 and Curtis Road. Travelers should keep headlights on and allow extra minutes for early errands as drizzle fades and low clouds settle for much of the day.
According to the National Weather Service Lincoln office, patchy fog and light drizzle linger through the morning, followed by cloudy skies and highs in the upper 40s. That moisture keeps pavement slick, and visibility may dip at times near open fields southwest of town. According to IDOT, drivers should watch for speed fluctuations on I-72 and use widened stopping distance as traffic grows ahead of the holiday week.
A steady rain chance builds Thursday night with a stronger signal for widespread rain Friday. Forecasters expect a notably wet Friday morning, and models hint at rain totals approaching a half inch in spots. To be fair, the air remains too warm for any ice or snow, yet the combination of steady rainfall and rising Thanksgiving travel could slow traffic across Champaign County. A small “Winter Tease” may emerge early next week as colder air pools north of Illinois, prompting a minor snow chance near Chicago while Champaign stays mostly dry.
Sunny breaks return Saturday with highs near the upper 50s, offering comfortable conditions for yard cleanup or early Christmas decorating. After all, November often flips fast, and travelers should stay alert to updated guidance before heading out next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Sat: 47/41 – Damp start; cloudy and cool.
Sun: 57/40 – Mostly sunny; mild and pleasant.
Mon: 57/39 – Mostly sunny; calm breeze.
Tue: 54/37 – Partly sunny; cooler trend.
Wed: 54/38 – Clouds increase; light PM drizzle.
