Illinois wakes under a thick gray blanket as headlights glow softly through dense fog across central parts of the state. Moist air presses close to the ground, blurring intersections and stretching commutes as visibility drops fast in places.
The National Weather Service reports a Dense Fog Advisory in effect early this morning for much of central Illinois, including Champaign, Bloomington, Decatur, and surrounding communities. Visibility may fall below one-quarter mile at times, creating hazardous travel on I-57, I-74, and secondary roads. Drizzle mixes in, dampening pavement and reducing traction on bridges.
Fog gradually lifts later this morning, though pockets may linger into midday. Temperatures stay unusually mild for late December, climbing into the lower 60s. That warmth, however, is short-lived as the first full winter weekend begins to shift the pattern.
Saturday remains mostly cloudy and relatively calm, offering one of the better travel windows of the period. Additional fog may redevelop late Saturday night into early Sunday, especially in low-lying areas. Keep headlights on and slow down if traveling early.
Sunday brings more change. Rain develops during the day ahead of a strong cold front, with a few rumbles of thunder possible. Severe weather is not expected, but steady rain may impact holiday traffic. Winds increase late Sunday as colder air rushes in behind the front.
By Sunday night into Monday morning, temperatures drop sharply. Wind chills may fall near zero north of I-70, and lingering moisture could freeze quickly. Black ice becomes a concern for early commuters, especially on untreated roads.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, colder air remains entrenched across Illinois. While major snow is uncertain, winter conditions appear firmly in place as 2026 approaches.
Traveling this weekend or into New Year’s week? Share what conditions you’re seeing where you live.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
• Today: Dense fog early, drizzle possible, high near 61
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, patchy fog early, high near 52
• Sunday: Rain, breezy late, high near 64
• Monday: Blustery and colder, high near 25
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 30
