Chicago, IL – A surge of Arctic air is set to blast across Illinois beginning Saturday, November 30, delivering the coldest stretch of the season and potentially hazardous travel conditions through the first week of December.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful Arctic front will descend from Canada, dropping temperatures sharply across the Midwest. The Climate Prediction Center projects a 60–75% chance of below-normal temperatures across Illinois, with wind chills expected to dip below zero in parts of northern and central Illinois by Monday morning.
Drivers along I-55 and I-90 are advised to brace for icy roadways, blowing snow, and rapidly falling temperatures through the weekend. Commuters around Chicago, Bloomington, and Springfield could face challenging morning travel early next week as gusty winds combine with single-digit lows to produce dangerous cold.
This Arctic blast marks the first significant cold surge of the season, signaling a transition into sustained winter conditions for the Midwest. While Illinois braces for the freeze, much of the southern U.S. will remain mild, creating a sharp national temperature divide stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.
Residents are urged to check heating systems, dress in layers, and monitor local forecasts for updated wind chill warnings and travel advisories.
