Illinois drivers step into a damp, gray start this morning as low clouds press close to the ground. Streetlights glow through mist, and drizzle clings to windshields across central Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service, patchy fog and light drizzle are reducing visibility in and around Champaign early today. Temperatures hover in the mid-40s, keeping roads wet rather than icy for now. Gusty south winds may reach over 20 mph at times, pushing mist across open roads and farmland.
Morning travel could feel sluggish on I-57, Route 45, and campus-area streets near the University of Illinois. With students returning after the holiday break, traffic volumes are higher, and stopping distances increase on slick pavement. Drivers should slow down and leave extra space, especially near intersections.
Conditions improve gradually as fog thins late in the morning. Clouds linger through the day, with highs reaching near 50 degrees. By Wednesday, brighter skies arrive briefly, and temperatures climb into the low 50s, well above early January norms.
That mild stretch does not last. Clouds thicken Wednesday night as the next system approaches. Rain spreads into Champaign Thursday afternoon and continues into Thursday night. Gusty winds return, and steady rainfall could impact evening travel and outdoor plans.
By Friday, showers become more scattered, but cooler air follows close behind. Temperatures dip toward the low 30s Friday night. Rain may mix with or briefly change to snow early Saturday. Accumulations look light, yet even minor slushy spots could slow weekend travel.
Meteorologists are watching how quickly colder air arrives, as flash freezing remains possible if wet roads cool rapidly after sunset. Winter is far from finished as the first full week of 2026 unfolds.
Heading out today or later this week? What conditions are you seeing on your commute?
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Today: Patchy fog and drizzle early, cloudy, high near 50°
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, then some sun, high near 52°
- Thursday: Rain likely, breezy, high near 58°
- Friday: Chance of rain, cooler, high near 52°
- Saturday: Rain mixing with snow early, colder, high near 42°
