Champaign, Illinois – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is drifting into Illinois today, bringing hazy skies and potential air quality concerns across central and eastern portions of the state, including Champaign, Springfield, and Mattoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, smoke will linger through Monday evening and could degrade air quality to levels unhealthy for sensitive groups. Patchy smoke will be most noticeable after 10 a.m. Monday, particularly along I-57 and I-72 corridors. Calm winds tonight may allow smoke to settle at the surface.
A stronger weather pattern develops Tuesday night through Thursday, with a 70–80% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Tuesday could top out near 89°F in Champaign, with breezy southwest winds gusting up to 33 mph. Storm chances increase Tuesday night, with the highest rainfall expected Wednesday into Thursday. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out in low-lying or urban areas.
Residents should limit outdoor activities Monday if sensitive to pollution and prepare for wet commutes midweek. Charge electronics in advance of possible power outages and avoid flooded roadways.
Smoke and rain threats taper by Friday, though scattered showers remain possible into the weekend.
🔍 Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
- Monday: Patchy smoke after 10 a.m., high near 85°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy, high near 89°F. Chance of rain at night.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 83°F.
- Thursday: Showers likely, possibly a thunderstorm. High around 77°F.
- Friday: Chance of showers, high near 79°F.
