Chicago, IL – Travelers and residents across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana should prepare for a windy, colder stretch of weather heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago office.
According to forecasters, a colder air mass arrives Wednesday, accompanied by strong west to northwest winds. Wind gusts are expected to exceed 40 mph, creating crosswind hazards on north–south–oriented roadways. Intermittent flurries and scattered snow showers may also develop, especially during the afternoon and evening. Highs will fall into the upper 30s to lower 40s, with nighttime lows dropping into the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Thanksgiving Day turns noticeably colder and blustery. Morning wind chills will plunge into the +5 to +15°F range—conditions that could impact early travel, outdoor gatherings, turkey trots, or morning religious services. Afternoon highs will remain in the low to mid-30s, though continued steady winds will make it feel more like the 20s at times. Periodic snow showers may drift through portions of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
By Friday, winds decrease significantly, but temperatures remain chilly with highs near 30–33°F and overnight lows dipping into the upper teens to near 20°F. Skies become partly to mostly cloudy, and only isolated flurries are expected.
The NWS warns that the holiday period will feature sharp temperature swings, windy conditions, and occasional snow showers—factors that could affect both local travel and outdoor holiday plans.
Residents and travelers heading into or out of the Chicago region are encouraged to prepare for reduced wind chills, secure loose outdoor items, and monitor updated NWS forecasts throughout the holiday stretch.
