Chicago, IL – Illinois residents may see accumulating snowfall over Thanksgiving Weekend depending on the track of an incoming storm system, according to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan. While precipitation is considered likely somewhere across the region, the exact placement of the heaviest snow remains uncertain.
According to the National Weather Service, two scenarios are currently on the table. A southern track, which forecasters say remains possible, would push the storm system south of Wisconsin on Saturday. This trajectory would place Illinois directly in the zone for all-day light snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected across northern and central portions of the state. This is the scenario most favorable for Illinois snowfall.
A northern track, by contrast, would shift the core of the storm into Iowa and Wisconsin late Sunday into Monday, leaving Illinois with lighter precipitation or mixed impacts. Forecasters emphasize that the system’s path will determine who sees the most significant travel effects.
Still uncertain are the intensity of snowfall, the day of highest impacts, and how far south heavier bands might extend. With holiday travel peaking Saturday and Sunday, even light snow could slow traffic across major corridors including I-55, I-39, I-88, and I-94.
NWS officials urge Illinois residents to stay updated, as model trends over the next 48–72 hours will sharpen expectations. Travelers should be prepared to adjust plans if the system shifts toward the southern solution, which would favor more widespread Illinois impacts.
