Illinois – Wind pushes hard against doors and umbrellas flip inside out as strong gusts build quickly across central Illinois, creating dangerous travel conditions within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, south winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph through the afternoon and early evening. A Wind Advisory remains in effect, especially impacting areas along east-west roadways where crosswinds are strongest.
Across Champaign, Urbana, and Decatur, drivers on I-74, I-57, and Route 45 should expect sudden lane drift, especially for trucks and SUVs. Loose objects may blow into roads, and tree limbs could snap, causing brief power outages. Use both hands on the wheel and slow down in open areas.
Meteorologists are also tracking isolated strong storms developing later today, particularly south and east of Champaign. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and small hail, along with locally heavy rain that could exceed 1 inch in spots. Visibility may drop quickly during heavier bursts.
Rain and storm chances continue into Friday and Saturday, keeping roads wet and increasing the risk of localized flooding. Repeated rounds of rain may create standing water in low-lying areas. Avoid driving through water-covered roads.
The first weekend of April trends cooler by Sunday, with highs dropping into the low 50s under mostly sunny skies. Early next week looks calmer and gradually warmer, hinting at a stronger spring pattern taking hold.
Conditions are changing quickly across central Illinois. Are winds picking up where you are right now?
Five Day Forecast for Champaign, Illinois:
Thursday: High 73°F, windy with storms developing
Friday: High 76°F, showers likely with thunderstorms
Saturday: High 63°F, showers continue, locally heavy
Sunday: High 52°F, mostly sunny and cooler
Monday: High 58°F, sunny with calmer conditions**
