Chicago, IL – Illinois is positioned for a wetter and potentially wintry stretch during the Thanksgiving travel window, as new longer-range federal outlooks show above-normal precipitation statewide from November 23 through November 29.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook issued Saturday, Illinois sits solidly within a 40–50% probability zone for above-normal precipitation. This region extends from Texas through the central Plains and into the Great Lakes, forming an active storm corridor that often influences Midwest travel during late November.
Northern Illinois, including Chicago and Rockford, is closest to colder air pooling over the Upper Midwest. While temperatures are not forecast to be persistently below normal, they may be marginal enough at times to support periods of wet snow or mixed precipitation—especially during overnight or early-morning hours.
Central Illinois communities such as Peoria and Springfield remain in the same elevated precipitation zone, though slightly warmer temperatures could tilt some events toward chilly rain. Southern Illinois is also included in the above-normal precipitation category, though it favors rain more consistently during the period.
With some of the busiest travel days of the year approaching, timing remains the key variable. Even light snow or rain can slow traffic on major corridors including I-55, I-57, and I-74. Air travel could also be affected depending on how close holiday-weather systems track to Chicago’s major airports.
Forecasters emphasize that while confidence is increasing in a wetter pattern, details around potential snowfall will sharpen early next week as short-range models begin capturing individual systems.
Travelers across Illinois should check for daily forecast updates throughout the week.
