Illinois – Headlights glow softly through gray mist this morning as fog drapes Champaign and much of central Illinois. Visibility drops quickly in low spots, while damp pavement hints at slick conditions before the day fully warms.
Patchy dense fog lingers through mid-morning, especially southwest of a Bloomington-to-Paris line. Temperatures rise fast, climbing into the low 50s later today. As fog lifts, roads improve, but moisture remains on bridges and shaded stretches. Drivers should stay alert during the morning commute, when visibility may change block by block.
Milder air continues to surge north tonight, pushing lows near 40. Clouds thicken, setting the stage for a more active Weather Alert Thursday. Rain develops by late morning, spreading steadily through the afternoon. Some storms may rumble, and a few could produce gusty winds. While severe weather is not widespread, brief downpours and wind gusts may slow travel on I-57 and local routes.
Rain continues Thursday night as winds increase, making it feel raw despite temperatures staying well above freezing. By Friday, showers taper and skies brighten. Highs settle back into the mid-50s, still mild for January 2026.
The weekend brings a noticeable shift. Cooler air arrives Saturday, with a chance of rain mixing with snow during the day. Accumulation appears light for now, but wet roads could turn slick after sunset. Temperatures fall into the low 20s Saturday night, raising concerns for flash freezing where moisture remains.
Sunday looks quieter and colder, with partial sunshine and highs near 30. Early next week trends dry, with a slow warming pattern returning as daylight steadily increases toward late January.
Traveling later today or Thursday? Tell us how visibility and road conditions look where you are in Champaign.
Five-Day Outlook for Champaign, Illinois
- Today: Morning fog, then clearing; high near 53
- Thursday: Rain and breezy conditions; high near 61
- Friday: Partly sunny; high near 56
- Saturday: Chance of rain and snow; high near 44
- Sunday: Partly sunny and colder; high near 30
