CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A calm, crisp dawn breaks across east-central Illinois with the last stars fading behind thin morning clouds — but by Thursday, winds will shift and warmth will surge. Temperatures will climb toward the upper 50s to near 60, then swing again by the weekend as the state moves from late-fall comfort back toward early-winter chill.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Thursday’s highs will push 58°F under partly sunny skies, boosted by a light south breeze. Friday will bring a short burst of milder air near 67°F before a frontal passage ushers in falling temperatures and gusty conditions by Saturday evening. Travelers on I-57 and U.S. 45 should expect changing winds and cooler air filtering in through Sunday.
Early holiday planners should take advantage of Thursday’s warmth for outdoor work, leaf cleanup, or decorating before the pattern flips. By Sunday night, temperatures will slide back into the 30s — cold enough to remind residents that winter’s doorstep is near. Long-range models even hint at a light rain-to-flurry mix possible early next week across central and northern Illinois as moisture meets the cooler air mass.
While no winter advisories are posted, residents should watch for updated statements into early next week. For now, the mild stretch will offer a comfortable pause between frosty mornings and the deeper chill expected closer to Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, the recent G4 solar storm that lit up northern skies last night may still cause brief communication disruptions across Illinois through today — a rare pairing of space weather and shifting fall air that underscores how fast November can turn.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
Thu: 58/41 – Partly sunny, light south breeze.
Fri: 67/53 – Mostly sunny, milder afternoon; breezy at times.
Sat: 73/43 – Partly sunny; late-day clouds, cooler by night.
Sun: 57/32 – Mostly clear, brisk; colder air returns.
Mon: 52/37 – Mostly cloudy; 20% chance of rain, early winter chill.
