Illinois — Headlights glow faintly through a gray wall this morning as dense freezing fog blankets east-central Illinois. Visibility drops fast, pavement feels slick underfoot, and travel conditions can change within seconds across Champaign and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, areas of dense freezing fog are affecting Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Tuscola, and nearby towns early this morning. Visibility may fall below one-half mile, and at times approach near zero. Temperatures remain below freezing, allowing fog droplets to freeze on contact with roads, bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Drivers along I-57, I-74, and local surface streets should expect sudden whiteouts over short distances. Untreated roads and elevated surfaces are especially vulnerable to slick spots. Even brief clearing can be followed by rapid deterioration before sunrise.
Later today, fog gradually thins as visibility improves. Skies remain mostly cloudy, and temperatures climb toward the upper 20s. A slight chance of flurries develops this afternoon, though no significant accumulation is expected. Winds increase modestly, helping conditions stabilize by evening.
Tonight stays cold, with lows near the lower 20s. Friday turns mostly cloudy but calmer. Highs rise toward the upper 30s, allowing some daytime melting. That melt may refreeze after sunset, creating another round of slick travel on shaded roads and secondary streets.
The weekend offers little precipitation but steady winter chill. Saturday stays mostly sunny with highs near the mid-20s. Sunday brings more sunshine and a modest rebound, with highs near the upper 30s. Early next week, a broader warming trend develops. NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the Midwest, hinting at fewer winter hazards after this stretch.
Slow down this morning, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra distance between vehicles. Encountering dense fog where you are? Share what visibility looks like on your commute.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
• Today: Patchy freezing fog early, mostly cloudy, high near 29
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy, colder, low near 23
• Friday: Mostly cloudy, breezy, high near 38
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, high near 25
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 38
