Chicago, IL – Northern Illinois residents will enjoy mild late-November weather today before a major cold front slams the region by the busy Wednesday travel period, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the agency, Sunday will remain sunny with highs in the low to mid-50s across Chicago and surrounding counties. Temperatures stay seasonably cool overnight, falling into the low 30s to upper 30s.
Monday brings an increase in cloud cover with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s. Spotty late-day showers are possible west of Interstate 55. Overnight lows will hold in the mid-40s, keeping conditions mild for late November.
Rain chances expand Tuesday, with isolated to scattered showers expected through the afternoon and evening. Highs should remain near the lower 50s before breezy, colder air begins moving in Tuesday night.
Forecasters warn that the pattern shifts abruptly by Wednesday, one of the region’s heaviest travel days of the year. Highs will struggle to reach the upper 30s to lower 40s, with blustery winds creating wind chills in the teens and 20s. Overnight lows drop into the low-20s, increasing the risk of slick spots in areas that receive rain Tuesday.
Thanksgiving Day continues the cold trend, with highs only in the low to mid-30s under breezy conditions. The National Weather Service notes that wind chills will remain well below freezing throughout the holiday.
Residents traveling across Illinois or departing from the Chicago metro should prepare for slower travel, strong winds, and sharply colder temperatures midweek. The mild stretch ends today, and winter-like conditions take over through Thursday.
