Illinois – Gray skies hang low over central Illinois this morning, and the air feels sharp against exposed skin. While conditions look quiet early, subtle changes later today could affect evening travel as the region edges closer to 2026.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a brief window for sprinkles, flurries, or light snow develops later today and into the evening hours. Any snowfall remains light, but temperatures hovering near freezing increase the risk for slick patches, especially after sunset.
Champaign, Urbana, and nearby communities may see spotty snow showers late in the day. Winds increase at times, gusting over 20 mph, which may reduce visibility briefly during passing flurries. Road temperatures stay cold enough that even minor snowfall could stick on untreated surfaces.
Travel impacts appear limited but worth noting. Ramps, overpasses, and less-traveled roads could turn slick for a short time. Drivers heading out for New Year’s Eve plans should slow down and stay alert for changing conditions.
New Year’s Day 2026 arrives cold but calmer. Sunshine returns with highs near the upper 20s. Wind chills dip into the teens early, making the morning feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Roads improve through the afternoon as skies stay clear.
By Friday, temperatures rebound slightly into the low 30s under partly sunny skies. The first weekend of 2026 looks quiet overall. Saturday stays dry and seasonably cold, while Sunday warms into the upper 30s with more sunshine. Nighttime refreezing remains possible throughout the period.
Plan ahead if traveling later today or tonight. Dress for the cold, give yourself extra braking distance, and watch for isolated slick spots.
Noticing flurries or slick roads where you are? Share what conditions look like across central Illinois.
Five Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
• Today: Cloudy, slight chance of flurries, high near 37
• New Year’s Day: Sunny, cold, high near 27
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 33
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 32
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 37
