CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A damp, windy pattern is taking hold across central Illinois as the state slides into a colder, more November-like weekend. Early commuters Thursday will feel mild, even pleasant air—but that’s about to end. A sharp temperature drop late Friday and Saturday will bring a brisk reminder that winter is coming fast.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois, gusty south winds will pull in moisture through Friday morning. That’ll set the stage for widespread rain and a few embedded thunderstorms before noon. Rainfall may briefly turn heavy along I-57 and I-74, reducing visibility and slicking up early weekend travel. Drivers heading to high school playoff games or Veterans Day events should prepare for wet pavement and cooler air rushing in behind the rainband.
By Saturday afternoon, temperatures tumble from near 60°F to the upper 30s, with biting northwest winds making it feel closer to freezing. The first widespread frost of November is likely by Sunday morning, especially across rural Champaign, Piatt, and Douglas counties. According to forecasters, a stronger Arctic air mass could push into the Midwest by Tuesday, sending lows into the lower 20s.
That drop could mark the first true winter chill of the season, ending the mild stretch that’s lingered since Halloween. Residents should protect sensitive plants, wrap outdoor faucets, and plan early for colder Veterans Day parades.
A bright note: skies clear Sunday, setting up crisp sunshine for the new week—perfect for leaf cleanup or early holiday decorating before the next system arrives mid-month.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Thu: 61/48 – Cloudy, breezy; rain developing late with gusts up to 25 mph.
Fri: 68/38 – Periods of rain, then clearing; temps falling sharply.
Sat: 59/30 – Partly sunny, turning cooler; gusty NW wind.
Sun: 37/20 – Sunny, crisp; first frost likely at dawn.
Mon: 52/22 – Mostly sunny, dry; cold start continues.
