Illinois weather feels calm but tense this morning as bright sun reflects off a crisp 32-degree start in Champaign. Frost clings to rooftops, and sidewalks remain cold to the touch. By afternoon, temperatures climb to 52 degrees, offering a brief spring tease before colder air settles back in.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, today stays partly sunny with light winds shifting east. Clouds increase tonight as temperatures fall to 25 degrees, with gusts near 20 mph. That sets the stage for a colder Sunday, topping out near 38 degrees.
Light snow becomes possible Sunday night, with a 40% chance as lows dip back to 25. Even minor flakes could create slick patches on I-57 and rural highways by early Monday. This is prime flash-freeze season. Snowmelt during the day can refreeze quickly after sunset, especially on bridges and shaded roads.
Monday stays mostly cloudy with a high near 42. Rain develops Monday night, with a 70% chance and up to a quarter inch possible. Tuesday turns wetter. Rain chances jump to 90%, with between a half and three-quarters of an inch expected. Ponding on roads and slower commutes look likely.
By Wednesday, highs surge to 58 with more rain and even a slight thunder chance. March begins with a clear warming trend. Longer-range signals point to above-normal temperatures heading into next weekend, hinting at early spring warmth across central Illinois.
Traveling Sunday night or Tuesday? Let us know what you’re seeing on the roads.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
Today: Partly sunny. High 52.
Sunday: Partly sunny. High 38.
Monday: Mostly cloudy. High 42.
Tuesday: Rain. High 50.
Wednesday: Rain likely, slight thunder chance. High 58.
