Weather
Illinois Thanksgiving Travel: Rain, Snow, Ice Risk Growing Nov. 18–24?
Chicago, IL – Thanksgiving travelers across Illinois could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise sharply heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about rain, s
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-11-11T05:32:46.732Z
Chicago, IL – Thanksgiving travelers across Illinois could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise sharply heading into November 18–24, raising concerns about rain, snow, freezing rain and potentially icy roads during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Illinois and much of the Midwest from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24. The outlook is part of a widespread wet pattern stretching from the West Coast through the central Plains, Great Lakes and Gulf Coast.
Some portions of the nation's Heartland reach 70–80% probabilities of above normal precipitation, while Illinois falls within the broader area of elevated precipitation chances.
Chicago, Rockford and Northern Illinois Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Elgin and Rockford could experience periods of unsettled weather as the wetter pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 90, Interstate 80, Interstate 55 and Interstate 94 should monitor forecasts for potential rain, snow or mixed precipitation if colder air arrives.
Peoria, Bloomington and Central Illinois Peoria, Bloomington Normal, Champaign, Decatur and Springfield are also included in the wetter than normal outlook.
Developing storm systems could bring periods of rain, with snow or freezing rain becoming concerns if temperatures fall sufficiently, particularly during overnight or early morning travel.
Southern Illinois: Rain and Storm Concerns Belleville, Mount Vernon, Marion, Carbondale and surrounding communities could also see an active precipitation pattern.
Rain appears more likely under the generally warmer temperature outlook, although changing temperatures could affect precipitation types.
Could Snow and Ice Affect Thanksgiving Travel? The widespread precipitation signal raises questions about possible winter weather across Illinois as holiday travel increases.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the Midwest, meaning widespread snow or ice is not currently established.
The precipitation outlook measures the probability of wetter than normal conditions, not the chance of a specific winter storm.
With Thanksgiving falling Thursday, November 26, the November 18–24 outlook covers the days leading into the holiday and the beginning of Thanksgiving week.
Illinois residents should monitor forecast updates for storm timing, precipitation type and potential highway impacts as the holiday approaches.