If you’ve lived in Central Illinois for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you’re walking across the Main Quad in a light jacket, and the next, you're questioning every life choice that led you to a place where the wind actually hurts your face.
The Champaign 10 day weather forecast right now is a classic example of that "if you don't like it, wait five minutes" Midwest energy. Honestly, looking at the numbers for mid-January 2026, we’re in for a bit of a rollercoaster. We just came off a Wednesday that saw temperatures hit 37°F before plummeting, and if you were out today, you probably felt that 22 mph northwest wind trying to steal your hat.
The Immediate Outlook: Bracing for the Dip
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, things start to feel a lot more like a "real" winter. We’re looking at a high of 30°F, which sounds manageable until you see the overnight low is hitting 14°F again. There’s a 35% chance of snow showers moving in at night. It’s that annoying kind of snow—enough to make the roads slick for the Friday morning commute, but probably not enough for a proper sledding day at Orchard Downs.
Friday stays chilly at 37°F with a 25% chance of light snow throughout the day. The humidity is jumping up to 70%, so it’s going to be that damp, bone-chilling cold that somehow seeps through even the best Patagonia puffers.
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Why the Weekend Might Surprise You
Saturday is when the floor really drops out. We’re talking a high of only 20°F and a low of 9°F. If you have plans to hit the Market at the Square (the indoor winter version, obviously) or grab coffee downtown, dress in layers.
Actually, make those thick layers.
By Sunday, January 18, it’s mostly the same story: 21°F for the high and a single-digit low of 7°F. The wind is shifting to the southwest at 13 mph, which might offer a tiny bit of relief compared to the biting north winds we've had, but don't hold your breath.
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Monday’s Deep Freeze
Monday, January 19, is looking like the toughest day of the stretch. Basically, it’s going to be frigid. The high is only 12°F, and the low is 5°F.
With 20 mph winds coming from the west, the wind chill is going to be brutal. This is the kind of weather where the University of Illinois starts sending out those "stay safe" emails. If you’re a student trekking from FAR/PAR to the North Quad, maybe catch the 22 Illini bus. Seriously.
Looking Toward Next Week: The Thaw?
Surprisingly, the back half of this forecast looks like a different season entirely.
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- Tuesday (Jan 20): 26°F High / 8°F Low.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): We jump up to 38°F.
- Thursday (Jan 22): 41°F! Suddenly, 40 degrees feels like a tropical vacation.
By Friday, January 23, we might actually see rain instead of snow, with a high of 33°F and a 45% chance of evening showers. The 10-day window wraps up on Saturday, January 24, with a 38°F high and some lingering snow chances as the humidity spikes to 81%.
The data from the University of Illinois Willard Airport (KCMI) station confirms that this January is staying true to form—unpredictable and occasionally aggressive. While we haven't hit those record-shattering -25°F lows from the 90s, the current dip into the single digits is plenty cold for most of us.
Practical Next Steps for Champaign Residents
If you’re looking at the Champaign 10 day weather forecast and wondering how to prep, here’s the move:
First, check your tire pressure tonight. These 20-degree drops in temperature are notorious for triggering that "low air" light on your dashboard. Second, if you’re responsible for any pipes on an exterior wall, especially during Monday's 5°F low, keep a slow drip going. It’s a cheap way to avoid a very expensive plumbing disaster. Finally, make sure your car has an ice scraper and a spare blanket; that Friday night snow shower (35% chance) could make things messy faster than you’d expect.
Stay warm out there, C-U.