CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Central Illinois is enjoying a run of pleasant fall warmth through midweek, but a late-week change will bring showers and a touch of cooler air by the weekend. Sunshine and mild afternoons will dominate through Thursday, creating near-perfect weather for campus life, harvest operations, and outdoor events across Champaign County.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, high pressure over the Midwest will keep skies mostly clear through Thursday with light northeast winds shifting southeast by Friday. Highs will climb from near 74°F Wednesday to around 79°F Friday before clouds and moisture return ahead of an approaching cold front.
Rain chances increase Friday night as a 30–60% chance of showers and a few rumbles of thunder spreads across the I-57 corridor. The system may bring locally heavy rainfall into early Saturday morning before cooler air filters in behind it. Forecasters expect highs to dip into the upper 60s by Sunday, marking a return to more seasonable October weather.
Motorists and football fans heading out Friday evening should be prepared for wet roads and brief downpours. The best outdoor window remains Wednesday through Friday afternoon — perfect for fall festivals, pumpkin patch visits, or evening walks under clear skies.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Tue: 80/55 – Mostly sunny; light northeast breeze.
Wed: 74/54 – Partly sunny; warm and dry.
Thu: 77/54 – Mostly sunny; mild fall day.
Fri: 79/62 – Partly sunny; evening showers, 30% chance.
Sat: 75/49 – Morning showers; cooler air returns.
