Chicago, IL – Chicago metro and northern Illinois travelers should be prepared for a rainy start to the holiday week followed by colder temperatures and chances for snow showers into Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to updated maps from the Weather Prediction Center.
According to the WPC, widespread rain will move into northern Illinois early Wednesday, affecting Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan, Naperville, Joliet, and the entire I-90/I-94 corridor. Rain is expected to fall steadily through the afternoon, reducing visibility and slowing traffic at O’Hare and Midway during one of the busiest travel days of the year.
By Wednesday night and Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025), colder air slides into the region behind the departing system. While most of the Chicago metro will dry out, scattered light snow showers or flurries remain possible—mainly across far northern and western Illinois, including McHenry, Boone, DeKalb, and Winnebago counties. Accumulation appears minor, but early-morning travelers may encounter a few slick spots, especially west of the city.
Temperatures will stay cold all day Thursday, with highs in the mid-30s to near 40 across Chicago and the suburbs.
By Black Friday (November 28, 2025), another cold push may spark additional flurries, particularly north of I-88 and west toward Rockford and the Wisconsin state line. While widespread snow is not expected, breezy winds and colder temperatures could create isolated icy patches during early shopping hours.
Overall, northern Illinois travelers should expect rain Wednesday, colder air Thursday, and light snow chances Friday, with the highest travel impacts coming early in the holiday period.
