Champaign, Ill. – Illinois residents can count on another stretch of dry, sun-filled weather heading into the first weekend of October, with warm afternoons reaching the upper 80s. Road conditions across I-57 and local highways will remain clear, offering drivers smooth travel for early fall events and football games.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, skies will stay mostly sunny through Saturday, October 4, with highs near 88 degrees. Light south winds may strengthen by late Saturday, with gusts reaching up to 23 mph, but no rain is expected through the weekend.
The dry spell means ideal conditions for outdoor activities, including tailgates at Memorial Stadium or fall decorating around Champaign County. However, warm afternoons and cooler nights may create a wide temperature swing, so residents should keep jackets handy after sunset.
Saturday night will dip into the upper 50s under clear skies, before rebounding into the upper 80s again Sunday. Winds will increase Sunday afternoon, but skies remain mostly clear until Monday night, when a 30 percent chance of showers develops after 1 a.m.
By Tuesday, scattered thunderstorms are possible across central Illinois, ending the region’s early-October dry run. Commuters and travelers should monitor updates in case showers affect morning drives.
The fall pattern favors sunshine and mild conditions for most of the next five days, giving Champaign residents time to prepare homes and yards before colder weather arrives later this month.
Warnings remain limited, but residents should watch for breezy conditions through Sunday and possible rain by Tuesday night.
Five Day Forecast for Champaign, Illinois
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 88. Light east wind.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 88. Low 63. South wind.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 88. Winds gust to 15 mph. Low 58.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 87. Gusts up to 23 mph. Low 63.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 86. Rain chances after 1 a.m.
