CHICAGO, Ill. – The first light off Lake Michigan reflects off a line of rooftops as a brisk November breeze cuts through the early chill. The air feels dry and sharp, but a stretch of calmer, sunnier weather is setting up across northern Illinois — a brief reprieve from early winter’s edge.
This morning begins cool but clear, with temperatures in the low 40s across the Chicago metro area. Gusty west winds may still reach up to 25–30 mph through midday, making it feel several degrees colder along the lakefront. The National Weather Service Chicago notes that this steady breeze fades by Thursday as a high-pressure ridge builds east, allowing for milder air to return through the end of the week.
Highs will climb from the low 50s today to near 60°F on Friday, and possibly into the mid-60s Saturday — a perfect setup for outdoor plans, yard work, or early holiday decorating. Travel across major routes like I-90 and I-55 should remain trouble-free, with dry pavement and good visibility expected.
While the warm-up holds through Saturday, a weak front late Sunday could bring a few sprinkles or a brief temperature dip. By early next week, highs drop back to the upper 40s, signaling the next cool push from the Plains.
For now, Chicago enjoys a stretch of calm, classic November weather — breezy, bright, and dry — before the next pattern shift arrives closer to Thanksgiving week.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, IL:
Thu: 53/42 – Mostly sunny, light winds.
Fri: 57/51 – Sunny, calm afternoon.
Sat: 67/43 – Partly cloudy, mild breeze.
Sun: 51/34 – Cooler, clouds increasing.
Mon: 48/37 – Mostly sunny, dry and crisp.
