Champaign, Ill. – Drivers across central Illinois should prepare for wet roads and scattered thunderstorms beginning Sunday and lasting into Monday night. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and brief downpours could affect evening travel along I-72, I-74, and I-57.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, isolated showers will develop Saturday night, but the main storm risk grows Sunday afternoon through Monday. Lightning remains the primary hazard, with rain chances peaking Monday when widespread showers and storms are expected across Champaign County and surrounding areas.
Motorists should allow extra time for commutes, particularly along I-72 from Decatur to Champaign and I-57 through Rantoul. Slick pavement and sudden visibility drops will complicate travel. Outdoor events, including local fall sports, face interruptions as storms roll through during the late afternoon and evening hours.
Power outages are not expected to be widespread, but lightning could briefly impact utilities. Residents are advised to keep devices charged, avoid outdoor activities during storms, and monitor alerts. Spotter activation is not planned, signaling a low risk for severe weather, but conditions could still disrupt daily routines.
Periods of scattered rain may continue through midweek, with temperatures gradually cooling as fall weather takes hold. Additional updates will follow as confidence in storm timing improves.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, Illinois
- Saturday Night: Scattered thunderstorms, low near 63.
- Sunday: Scattered showers, high near 82. Storms possible after 1 p.m.
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 79.
- Tuesday: Chance of showers and storms, high near 80.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, showers possible, high near 76.
