Champaign, IL – Spring weather is bringing warm, sunny days to central Illinois, but changes are on the horizon with rain and storms expected by Friday night. Highs will climb into the mid-70s on Thursday and Friday before a shift in conditions leads to gusty winds and heavy rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 73°F. Winds will start from the east but shift southeast in the afternoon, increasing to 8 mph. Thursday night will remain partly cloudy with a low of 54°F.
Friday will see the warmest temperatures of the week, reaching 76°F. Winds will pick up significantly, with gusts up to 43 mph by the afternoon. Rain chances begin Friday night, with showers and thunderstorms likely after 1 a.m. Rainfall amounts between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch are expected.
Looking ahead, the weekend will start windy and cooler. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high of 68°F before temperatures drop to 34°F at night. Sunday brings more sunshine, but overnight lows will fall to 28°F.
Drivers along I-74 should prepare for wet roads late Friday night into Saturday morning. Residents should secure outdoor items before strong winds arrive. Stay updated on changing conditions with the latest alerts from the National Weather Service.
