Illinois wakes under a thick, gray veil of patchy fog that clings to fields, stoplights, and wet pavement as early Thanksgiving travel ramps up. Headlights glow in the mist across central Illinois, and the damp air signals a sluggish morning commute for drivers heading toward Champaign and surrounding towns.
According to the National Weather Service, drizzle and fog may cause sudden visibility drops through mid-morning. Drivers should slow down, keep low beams on, and allow extra travel time, especially on rural routes where fog pockets gather fastest. The pavement stays damp and slick, and the calm air creates a quiet but deceptive start before rain edges closer.
A shift toward wetter weather begins later today as low clouds thicken. Light rain increases Friday, with periods of steadier rainfall likely by the afternoon—a key detail for those starting Thanksgiving road trips early. To be fair, temperatures stay mild for now, holding in the 50s through Saturday, but the atmosphere hints at bigger changes ahead.
Meteorologists note an emerging Winter Tease across the northern U.S. next week. Models hint at the potential for heavy snow somewhere between November 25 and December 3 as a colder pattern expands eastward. This may influence major Midwest and Great Lakes travel corridors, even if Champaign’s local snow chances remain uncertain. Residents should watch for updates as Thanksgiving nears.
Saturday turns brighter with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 50s—ideal for yard cleanup or holiday prep before cooler weather returns next week. Sunday remains mild with radiant sun and a touch of late-fall warmth before another rain chance arrives Monday.
Five-Day Outlook (Fri–Tue)
• Friday: Rain likely, high low 50s.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high low 50s.
• Sunday: Sunny, high upper 50s.
• Monday: Rain chance 30–60%, high upper 50s.
• Tuesday: Cloudy and cooler, high upper 40s.
