CHICAGO, IL – Streetlights blur through low clouds this morning across northern Illinois as a gray, damp pattern begins to shift. Thanksgiving week travelers should brace for several quick weather changes — from fog and drizzle to gusty winds and even a few snowflakes before the holiday arrives.
The National Weather Service in Chicago/Romeoville has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook highlighting areas of dense fog from Rochelle to Fowler, stretching across the Fox Valley and portions of northwest Indiana. Visibility may drop quickly through early morning hours, especially near open farmland and low-lying areas.
Rain returns later Monday afternoon, followed by mild air and patchy drizzle Tuesday. Winds increase sharply by Tuesday night as colder air rushes across Lake Michigan, bringing gusts near 35 mph. By Wednesday, scattered rain showers could briefly mix with snow north of I-80 as temperatures fall into the upper 30s.
Thanksgiving Day looks dry and chilly, with highs near 34°F under partly sunny skies — a calm but brisk setup for travel and outdoor gatherings. However, another system may approach by the weekend, hinting at more light snow or rain for Black Friday shoppers.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, IL:
- Tuesday: Drizzle early, windy, high 52°F.
- Wednesday: Breezy, chance of flurries, high 38°F.
- Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny, high 34°F.
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 34°F.
- Saturday: Cloudy with rain/snow mix possible, high 38°F.
