If you've ever spent a week in Central Illinois, you know the drill. One day you’re looking for your sunglasses, and the next, you’re wondering if your car will actually start in the sub-zero wind chill. Honestly, the champaign 10 day forecast right now is a perfect example of why this region keeps meteorologists on their toes. It’s not just "cold"—it’s a sliding scale of freezing that changes by the hour.
Right now, we are looking at a classic January stretch. Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, started out mostly sunny with a crisp 23°F, but don't let that fool you. The "feels like" temperature is hanging around 16°F thanks to a 6 mph west wind. By tonight, things shift. We’re expecting the clouds to move in, bringing a 35% chance of snow showers as the low drops to 14°F. Basically, it’s the kind of night where you stay inside and order DP Dough.
Decoding the Champaign 10 Day Forecast
Looking at the upcoming week, we’re in for a bit of a rollercoaster. Friday, January 16, brings a slight "warm-up" to 36°F, but it comes with a price: light snow and a much gustier 18 mph wind. If you’re planning to be out on Green Street, that wind is going to bite.
By Saturday, the bottom drops out again. We’re looking at a high of only 20°F and a low of 10°F. If you’ve got errands to run, Sunday isn't much better, with highs hovering around 22°F and more light snow likely.
The real kicker comes Monday, January 19. It’s going to be gorgeous and sunny, but the high is a brutal 13°F. With 20 mph winds coming off the West, that’s "knife-daggers level cold" as some locals like to say. You’ll want every layer you own.
The Mid-Week Shift
Kinda surprisingly, things settle down toward the middle of next week. Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21) see temperatures creeping back up into the high 20s and low 30s.
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- Tuesday: High of 23°F, mostly cloudy, manageable 11 mph winds.
- Wednesday: High of 31°F, partly sunny, but watch out for those 21 mph gusts.
Heading Into Next Weekend
The end of the 10-day window shows a return to gray skies. Thursday, January 22, and Friday, January 23, bring highs of 33°F and 37°F respectively. It’s a bit of a damp cold, with humidity spiking up to 83% by Friday. Snow showers are back in the mix for the weekend of Jan 24-25, with highs settling back into the upper 20s.
Survival Tips for the 61820
If you're new to the area or just trying to survive this specific champaign 10 day forecast, here is the deal. Forget looking stylish; it’s all about the windbreak. A heavy wool coat looks great, but in 20 mph Illinois winds, you need something with a technical shell.
Also, watch the humidity. When it hits that 70-80% range in 30-degree weather, the cold feels "wet" and sinks into your bones much faster than the dry 10-degree days. Waterproof boots are a non-negotiable right now because the snow tends to turn into a grey slush (the "Champaign Slush") almost immediately on the campus sidewalks.
Actionable Insights for the Week Ahead
- Check your tire pressure: These 20-degree drops from day to night will trigger your "low air" light.
- Plan your commute for Monday: With a high of 13°F and heavy winds, give your car extra time to warm up.
- Salt the walk now: With snow showers predicted multiple times this week, keep your salt bucket by the door.
- Layering is key: Since we’re jumping between 13°F and 37°F, you’ll want a base layer you can strip off once you’re inside a heated building.
Stay warm out there, and keep an eye on those west winds—they’re the real reason the forecast feels so much colder than the number on the screen.