Champaign, Ill. – Central Illinois skies could glow tonight as the Northern Lights may appear far south of their usual range. Residents in Champaign and along I-72 are urged to look north after dark for a rare aurora show.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection from the sun is driving geomagnetic storms through Tuesday morning. Clear skies overnight will give Central Illinois a fair chance to catch a glimpse of the aurora if conditions hold. The display could extend across the Midwest, including Illinois, Missouri, and even parts of Kentucky.
Locally, Labor Day weather will stay calm and mild. Highs reach the low 80s Monday with mostly sunny skies. Winds will remain light, keeping visibility ideal for night sky viewing. By Tuesday, temperatures rise to 85 under full sunshine, but clouds increase Tuesday night.
The shift arrives Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Lincoln warns of showers late Tuesday into Wednesday morning, with rain chances near 80%. Rainfall may total up to three-quarters of an inch. Travelers on I-72 and U.S. 45 should prepare for slick roads during the morning commute.
Thursday turns cooler with highs near 69 under clearing skies. By Friday, Central Illinois warms back into the 70s before another cool-down Saturday.
Clear skies tonight offer a limited window for aurora viewing. Residents are advised to head outside after sunset and look north before clouds return midweek.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 85. Clear evening. Low 56.
- Wednesday: Showers possible by morning. High 84. Rainfall up to 0.75″. Low 51.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 69. Low 48.
- Friday: Sunny, high 76. Low 48.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 74. Low 46.
