Champaign, IL – A shifting spring weather pattern is bringing gusty winds, rain, and potential thunderstorms to central Illinois, beginning Sunday, March 2. Residents should prepare for hazardous travel conditions and fluctuating temperatures throughout the week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), winds out of the north-northwest will persist at 14 mph Saturday night before calming by Sunday morning. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of 41°F, but increasing clouds in the evening signal an approaching weather system. By Monday, March 3, rain chances rise to 30% in the morning, with stronger southeast winds reaching up to 24 mph.
A more significant storm system arrives Tuesday, March 4, with a 90% chance of rain and gusty conditions. Forecasters warn of thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening, as temperatures climb to 57°F. Wind gusts could exceed 45 mph, potentially causing travel disruptions on major routes, including I-74 and I-57.
The unsettled pattern continues through midweek, with steady rain expected on Wednesday, March 5, and breezy conditions persisting. By Thursday, March 6, skies will clear slightly, bringing highs in the low 50s before another chance of rain returns Friday.
Drivers should remain alert for hazardous road conditions, especially on elevated surfaces. Those traveling early in the week should secure loose outdoor items and check for updated forecasts as the storm develops.
