Champaign, IL – A thin layer of frost clings to car windshields this morning across central Illinois, as clouds thicken and light snow drifts across open fields. The quiet gray sky hides a sharp cold front moving through, one that will drop temperatures deep into winter territory by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a light snow mix could fall through this evening, especially west of I-57 and north toward Bloomington. Accumulations should stay minimal — but with surface temperatures near freezing, slick patches and black ice may form during the morning and evening commutes. Wind chills will fall to zero to -5°F tonight and drop even lower early Thursday.
Residents are urged to allow extra time for travel and clear sidewalks and driveways before surfaces refreeze. Even a thin glaze of ice can make for treacherous steps and fender-benders on local routes and highways.
Sunshine returns Thursday and Friday, but don’t expect much warmth. The air will stay crisp and dry, with highs struggling to reach 28°F. Another system late in the weekend could bring a new round of flurries Sunday into early Monday.
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, IL:
- Thursday: Sunny, high 16°F, low -1°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 28°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 29°F.
- Sunday: Chance of snow, high 29°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 27°F.
