Low clouds and damp pavement lingered across central Illinois late this morning as Champaign and Urbana slowly dried out from early showers. Fog hugged parts of the I-57 corridor earlier in the day, briefly lowering visibility before brighter skies pushed back into the region.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue fading through the afternoon as temperatures climb near 79 degrees. Winds remain light, helping improve travel conditions around Champaign County and nearby stretches of Interstate 74.
The calmer stretch arrives just in time for Memorial Day gatherings. Sunshine returns Monday with highs reaching the lower 80s across east-central Illinois. Tuesday stays warm and partly sunny, though increasing humidity signals another active weather pattern developing by late evening.
Storm chances rise sharply Tuesday night into Wednesday as a slow-moving system spreads deeper moisture across Illinois. Forecasters expect periods of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain, lightning, and isolated gusty winds.
While widespread severe weather is not expected right now, a few stronger storms could still bring brief hail and localized flooding concerns. Drivers should stay alert for ponding water on low-lying roads and reduced visibility during heavier downpours.
The changing weather pattern reflects a broader setup unfolding across much of the eastern United States. Warm, humid air continues feeding repeated rounds of rain and storms from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley through midweek.
For now, central Illinois remains on the warmer side of the pattern. Temperatures continue trending above average heading into late May, with additional summer-like warmth possible late next week.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Memorial Day: Sunny after early fog, high near 81.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 82.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 81.
- Thursday: Partly sunny with storm chances, high near 83.
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 78.
