CHICAGO – Streetlights glowed against a gray sky before dawn as a cold breeze swept through downtown, carrying the season’s first real winter bite. At 26°F early Tuesday, the city woke under low clouds and the faint chance of light snow flurries, a reminder that November in Illinois rarely stays mild for long.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered snow showers could briefly brush the metro area early this morning, particularly near Lake Michigan and I-80. Accumulations will be minimal — a dusting at most — but slick spots could form on untreated bridges and overpasses during the morning commute. Winds from the southwest will gust near 30 mph, pushing wind chills into the upper teens across the western suburbs.
By midday, clouds gradually clear, allowing sunshine to return and temperatures to rebound toward 41°F. Breezy, dry weather holds through midweek, offering a welcome break for Veterans Day events and commuters alike. Highs Wednesday and Thursday climb back into the low 50s, with milder air spilling east across the Great Lakes.
Looking ahead, another cool-down is possible by the weekend, with models hinting at light rain or snow showers late Sunday. While the first accumulating snow for northern Illinois still looks at least a week away, forecasters say this “winter tease” marks a clear seasonal transition.
Residents planning early Thanksgiving travel should use this week’s calmer stretch to prep vehicles, check wipers, and get ready for potential chillier patterns returning before the holiday.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
Tue: 41/36 – Flurries early; breezy, cold.
Wed: 49/37 – Sunny, calmer winds.
Thu: 53/42 – Mostly sunny; mild.
Fri: 54/47 – Sunny and pleasant.
Sat: 65/40 – Mostly cloudy; chance of rain late.
