CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A steady transition from rain to snow will mark Illinois’ first brush with winter this weekend as colder air sweeps across the state. Damp leaves, falling temperatures, and a few bursts of snow may create slick travel conditions late Sunday before skies clear early in the new week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a broad low-pressure system will slide east today, spreading scattered rain through the afternoon before colder air triggers a changeover to snow across central Illinois. The best chance for light snow showers will come Sunday morning, especially along and north of I-72, though most areas will see little to no accumulation. Still, wet roads could glaze briefly as temperatures dip into the 20s by Monday morning.
Northwest winds will strengthen Sunday, gusting near 25 mph and ushering in a brisk, dry air mass. Monday stays sunny but cold, with highs near 38°F—roughly 15 degrees below normal for early November. Veterans Day looks milder and calm, climbing into the upper 40s under mostly sunny skies before a midweek warmup sends temperatures back into the 50s.
Residents should plan for quick weather changes through Sunday—slow down on rural roads, protect early decorations or plants from the chill, and prepare for that sharp drop in wind chill values Sunday night. Though accumulations will stay light, this system serves as a clear reminder that winter is knocking on Illinois’ door.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Sat: 57/33 – Mostly cloudy; rain developing late afternoon.
Sun: 37/23 – Rain changes to snow; breezy and much colder.
Mon: 38/23 – Sunny and brisk; early winter chill continues.
Tue: 47/36 – Mostly sunny; milder for Veterans Day.
Wed: 57/33 – Mostly clear; pleasant late-fall stretch midweek.
