Chicago, IL – A sharp change in conditions is on the way for the Chicago area as rain, gusty winds, and falling temperatures set up a blustery end to the week before calmer weather arrives in time for Christmas Eve.
According to the National Weather Service, showers continue overnight into Thursday, followed by breezy conditions and periods of rain through the day. Winds increase out of the south and then west, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, especially Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. As colder air moves in late Thursday night, rain may mix with or briefly change to snow, with temperatures dropping into the teens by Friday morning.
Friday turns colder and windy, with highs struggling to reach the upper 20s. Blowing snow showers are possible early, and wind chills may dip below zero at times. Drivers should be prepared for slick spots and sudden reductions in visibility during the Friday morning commute, particularly along I-90, I-94, Lake Shore Drive, and other exposed roadways.
Conditions improve Friday night as winds ease. The weekend stays mostly dry but cold, with highs in the 30s. Looking ahead, temperatures moderate early next week, and Christmas Eve on Wednesday is currently trending mostly cloudy and quieter, with highs climbing into the low 40s across the Chicago area.
While late-week travel may be impacted by wind and colder air, no major winter storm is expected, and calmer conditions are favored heading into the holiday.
