The early December sky over central Illinois feels heavy this morning — gray clouds rolling in over frosty rooftops, hinting at change. After a stretch of relative calm, the first true taste of December weather will make its move midweek, bringing gusty winds, a rain-to-snow mix, and falling temperatures across the Champaign–Urbana corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, showers will build Tuesday evening, with south winds gusting up to 38 mph ahead of a cold front. Rain could briefly turn to wet snow before dawn Wednesday as temperatures dip toward freezing. While accumulation should remain light, slick spots may develop early on bridges and untreated surfaces.
By Wednesday afternoon, colder air settles in. Highs will struggle near 31°F with breezy northwest winds continuing through Thursday. The pattern remains active into late week — another round of light snow is possible Thursday night into Friday, especially north of I-72, as a clipper system sweeps through the Great Lakes.
By the weekend, highs will hold near freezing with morning lows in the teens. Sunshine may return Sunday, but the Arctic air will linger — a sharp reminder that winter’s grip has arrived early across the Midwest.
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, IL
- Wednesday: Rain changing to snow, high 39°F, low 21°F.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 29°F, low 21°F.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 32°F, low 8°F.
- Saturday: Sunny but cold, high 29°F, low 11°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 25°F, low 1°F.
