CHICAGO, IL – A damp chill lingers over Lake Michigan this morning, the skyline glinting under thickening clouds as the city braces for another swift November shift. The air feels heavier, signaling a wet and wintry stretch ahead — the kind of early-season pattern that hints winter isn’t far off.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, dry conditions will hold through today, but a developing low-pressure system will spread rain and gusty winds into northern Illinois late Friday into Saturday. Some embedded thunderstorms may roll through before colder air moves in quickly behind the front. Rain could change to wet snow Saturday night, particularly across the northwest suburbs and along I-90 and I-88, where surface temps will dip near freezing.
While accumulation should stay light — likely less than an inch — slick bridges and elevated roads could cause brief travel issues for early Veterans Day weekend events. Gusts near 30 mph may also rattle power lines and bring down a few lingering leaves.
By Sunday, the storm exits but leaves a much colder air mass behind. Highs will struggle to reach the upper 30s, with breezy northwest winds making it feel closer to freezing. Looking ahead, Veterans Day Tuesday appears seasonably chilly and bright, but long-range models hint at another possible system midweek that could bring more mixed precipitation to the upper Midwest.
Residents should use the calm before the change to clear gutters, winterize vehicles, and secure outdoor items before the season’s first snow flurries sweep across the city this weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
Thu: 58/45 – Increasing clouds; mild breeze.
Fri: 62/43 – Showers developing late; breezy south winds.
Sat: 51/35 – Rain likely; evening change to snow.
Sun: 37/28 – Breezy and cold; chance of snow showers.
Tue (Veterans Day): 49/33 – Mostly sunny; chilly with a light breeze.
