CHICAGO, Ill. — Skies are clear and crisp now, but change is brewing across northern Illinois as a strong pre-holiday system moves toward the region. Mild air will briefly hold Monday and Tuesday before rain gives way to a biting Thanksgiving chill — a shift that could test travelers crossing the I-80 and I-55 corridors early this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, clouds will increase Monday with rain developing late in the day. A steady soaking is likely into Tuesday morning, followed by gusty west winds that usher in much colder air by Wednesday. Temperatures will tumble more than 20 degrees in less than 48 hours, setting the stage for a frosty Thanksgiving morning. Wind chills may dip into the 20s Thursday, reminding the region that winter is near.
Those flying out of Midway or O’Hare should monitor updates closely, as Tuesday’s rain and low ceilings could delay early flights. Roads across Cook, DuPage, and Will counties may be slick during the Tuesday morning rush, especially on untreated surfaces. While no snow is expected in Chicago proper, forecasters are watching for a brief rain-snow mix north of I-90 as colder air wraps in late Tuesday night.
Thanksgiving Day looks bright but brisk — ideal for parade spectators bundled in coats and gloves. Beyond that, early model trends hint at a possible snow system developing across the upper Midwest next weekend, a reminder that travel conditions could shift again as November closes.
Five-Day Forecast for Chicago, IL:
Sun: 54/38 – Sunny; light breeze, mild.
Mon: 48/47 – Increasing clouds; rain late.
Tue: 55/37 – Rain early; gusty winds, cooler late.
Wed: 42/27 – Partly sunny, breezy; falling temps.
Thu: 34/25 – Mostly sunny, brisk; cold Thanksgiving morning.
