Champaign, Ill. – Sunny skies and highs in the 90s will dominate central Illinois through Saturday, but residents should prepare for a potential shift as showers and thunderstorms move in Sunday afternoon. Temperatures in Champaign are expected to peak at 93°F on Independence Day and remain elevated into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a 50% chance of storms develops after 1 p.m. Sunday, possibly disrupting afternoon travel or outdoor plans. Thunderstorm chances continue into Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the upper 80s. Rainfall could be scattered but locally heavy, especially during late-day storms.
Expect calm weather through Thursday night, with winds generally under 10 mph. Saturday will feel particularly hot with gusts reaching 16 mph from the south. Outdoor gatherings for the holiday should remain unaffected, but Sunday could bring lightning, slick roads, and brief power outages.
Residents are advised to stay weather-aware heading into the weekend. Check local alerts before traveling, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid flooded roads if storms intensify.
Additional advisories may be issued Sunday morning if severe weather develops.
Five-Day Bullet Point Forecast for Champaign, IL:
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 91°F; light south wind
- Friday (Independence Day): Sunny, high near 93°F; south wind 3–7 mph
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 93°F; gusts up to 16 mph
- Sunday: 50% chance of showers and storms after 1 p.m.; high near 93°F
- Monday: Continued storm chances; mostly sunny, high near 89°F
