Champaign, Ill. – Central Illinois is holding onto summer-like warmth deep into fall, but a shift is coming with showers and a cooler turn by Tuesday. Highs near 90 degrees are expected this weekend, raising concerns for late-season heat as outdoor events pack local calendars.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, highs Friday through Monday will stay in the upper 80s, with only a slight chance of storms Friday afternoon. Winds will increase Sunday, gusting to 22 mph at times. The bigger change arrives Monday night into Tuesday, when a 30 to 50 percent chance of showers moves across Champaign County and nearby areas including Piatt, Douglas, and Vermilion counties.
The Illinois Department of Transportation warns that brief downpours Tuesday could slow traffic on I-57, I-72, and I-74, especially during the morning commute. Cooler air follows behind the rain, with highs falling into the low 70s by midweek.
Residents are urged to plan for changing conditions: limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, keep hydrated, and watch for slick spots on the roads if storms develop. Gardeners should prepare for the cooler nights midweek, as lows dip into the 40s by Wednesday night—potentially the first taste of crisp fall air.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Fri: 89/66 – Mostly sunny, isolated PM storm chance.
Sat: 88/58 – Sunny, hot for early fall.
Sun: 87/61 – Breezy, gusts near 22 mph; mostly sunny.
Mon: 88/62 – Sunny start; showers possible overnight.
Tue: 82/59 – Showers likely, partly sunny; cooler trend begins.
