Illinois – The air feels almost springlike this morning, but darker clouds and building winds signal a volatile February Weather day ahead.
Temperatures are already in the upper 40s in Champaign, climbing toward a high near 63. Showers and thunderstorms develop mainly between mid-afternoon and early evening. Some storms could turn strong, especially late day into early evening. Damaging wind gusts and even a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
Keep phones charged and weather alerts on. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after 2 p.m.
Winds will strengthen out of the south, then shift west this evening. Gusts could reach 38 mph. Heavy downpours may briefly reduce visibility along I-57 and I-74.
Earlier concerns about elevated fire danger north of I-70 highlight how fast conditions are changing. Dry air and breezy winds increase risk before storms arrive. Avoid outdoor burning.
By tonight, showers taper with lows near 34. Colder air settles in Friday with a high near 43 and brisk west winds. Friday night drops to 25 under mostly clear skies. Any standing water could refreeze, creating isolated icy patches by early morning.
Saturday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 42. Saturday night falls to 23. Sunday turns cooler with a high near 34 and gusty northwest winds. Sunday night dips to 19.
Monday stays mostly sunny with a high near 34. Then a warming trend builds into midweek. Highs climb into the 40s Tuesday and surge into the 50s by Wednesday, delivering hints of Spring Warmth across central Illinois.
Five-Day Outlook – Champaign, IL
Friday: Breezy, 43.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, 42.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, 34.
Monday: Mostly sunny, 34.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, 42.
