CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Golden leaves drift across quiet fields this early morning as central Illinois enjoys a calm, clear start — one that won’t last long. A swift November transition is on the way, with sunshine giving way to wind, rain, and the region’s first widespread frost potential by the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Wednesday brings highs near 66°F under mostly sunny skies. Breezy southwest winds will gust up to 30 mph before easing late. Thursday will start mild again, climbing into the low 60s, but clouds will thicken ahead of a moisture surge from the Plains. Rain chances increase Thursday night, becoming more widespread by Friday morning as a weak cold front sweeps through.
Friday’s showers could affect the morning commute along I-57 and I-72, especially near Mahomet and Decatur. Gusty winds up to 25 mph may accompany the front before skies gradually clear later in the day. Rain totals will remain light — mostly under half an inch — but temperatures will fall sharply behind the front. By Saturday morning, lows will dip into the 30s, with patchy frost likely across rural areas of Champaign and Piatt counties.
The weekend turns cooler but dry, ideal for leaf cleanup or early holiday decorating before a stronger chill arrives next week. Models hint at a deeper cold push by Veterans Day, with highs possibly dropping into the 40s and the first light snow showing up in far northern Illinois.
After a mild start to November, the state’s long autumn stretch is quickly giving way to winter’s early edge.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Wed: 66/32 – Sunny; breezy with gusts up to 30 mph.
Thu: 61/47 – Increasing clouds; mild and breezy late.
Fri: 59/38 – Rain early; cooler and clearing by afternoon.
Sat: 58/32 – Mostly sunny; crisp morning, light wind.
Sun: 41/22 – Mostly sunny; cold start, breezy afternoon.
