Champaign, IL – A strong spring storm system is poised to soak central Illinois, bringing heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and sharp temperature drops by Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service, showers will begin late Friday afternoon in Champaign and intensify overnight. Some storms could bring 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, with a chance for localized flooding, especially near low-lying areas and roadways like Interstate 72. Winds may gust up to 20 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions Friday night through early Saturday.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue Saturday afternoon before tapering into lighter showers Saturday evening. By Sunday, a cold front moves through the region, dropping overnight lows into the 30s, a notable chill for early April.
The weather shift follows a mild Thursday and Friday, with daytime highs in the low 60s and 50s, respectively. However, cooler spring air will settle in by Sunday night, with Monday highs only reaching the low 50s.
Residents should prepare now by securing outdoor items, checking sump pumps, and allowing extra travel time Friday evening. Flash flooding remains a concern in flood-prone areas, particularly near creeks and underpasses.
5-Day Champaign, IL Forecast Highlights:
- Friday: Thunderstorms, high of 58°F. Rainfall up to 2 inches.
- Saturday: Rain continues, high of 53°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high of 51°F; low near 33°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 51°F.
- Tuesday: Warmer trend begins with highs near 60°F by midweek.
