Illinois drivers along the I-74 corridor are waking up to 29 degrees and thick overcast skies in Champaign, with a wintry mix poised to spread in late. Pavement is mostly dry midmorning, but that window closes quickly as temperatures hover near freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a wintry mix spreads in late tonight through early Friday morning. Light snow accumulation appears likely, with a narrow corridor of 1 inch or more possible near Interstate 74. Patchy freezing drizzle or sleet may mix in, especially south of a Macomb-to-Champaign line. That combination could create slick bridges and untreated roads before daybreak Friday.
Highs climb to 48 degrees today with improving sunshine this afternoon. Southwest winds stay light, allowing surfaces to warm slightly before temperatures slip to 31 degrees tonight. Any moisture that lingers may freeze on contact.
A strong spring tease builds Friday with highs surging to 64 degrees under sunny, breezy skies. Gusts may reach 34 mph, quickly melting light snow. Saturday stays mild near 50 degrees, but clouds increase ahead of another system.
Snow chances return Sunday, with highs near 36 and snow likely Sunday night into early Monday. Additional wintry precipitation could develop late weekend into early next week, and some of it may bring higher impacts depending on track and temperatures.
The 6–10 day outlook trends milder into early March, signaling a gradual shift toward spring warmth across central Illinois.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 48.
Friday: Sunny and breezy, high 64.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 50.
Sunday: Chance of snow, high 36.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 34.
