Champaign, Illinois – Expect a sharp change in weather by late Thursday as a spring system moves into central Illinois, threatening Friday travel with gusty winds and widespread showers.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Friday brings the highest threat this week with an 80% chance of rain in Champaign and surrounding areas. Showers are expected after 1 p.m., with gusts up to 17 mph along U.S. Route 45 and I-74, potentially impacting commuters and end-of-week plans. Rainfall may total between a quarter and half an inch.
Most of the week remains dry and unseasonably warm. Highs will push near 81°F on Thursday under mostly sunny skies, offering a brief spring reprieve before the wet weather returns. Thursday night will bring increasing cloud cover and a 50% chance of showers, especially south of town toward Tolono and Savoy.
After Friday’s rain, more scattered showers may return Friday night (40% chance) and linger into Saturday morning. Highs will fall back to the upper 60s by Saturday afternoon. Winds from the southwest could shift and calm by Sunday, with some sunshine peeking through.
5-Day Champaign Weather Outlook:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 79°F
- Thursday: Sunny, high 81°F
- Friday: Showers likely, high 77°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 67°F
- Sunday: Chance of showers, high 72°F
