Chicago, IL – A mild breeze drifts through Chicago’s neighborhoods this morning, rustling the last few leaves that cling to street trees. The city’s brief stretch of November warmth is nearing its end, with a cold front on track to bring rain, gusty winds, and a sharp chill by the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, highs climb again to near 60°F today and Thursday, offering one more pleasant stretch for commuters and leaf cleanup. Southwest winds will increase through midday, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph along the Lakefront and I-55 corridor. Clouds build Thursday, followed by a band of showers and a few isolated thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday morning.
Friday stays breezy with highs in the mid-60s, but colder air surges in behind the front by evening. Temperatures tumble into the upper 30s and lower 40s by Saturday, bringing the first real taste of winter to Chicagoland. A few areas north of the city could even see brief flurries or a rain-snow mix late Saturday into early Sunday as the cold air deepens.
Travelers should expect wet pavement and gusty crosswinds Friday evening, especially along I-80 and the Stevenson Expressway. The chill lingers into early next week, with highs near 40°F by Veterans Day, signaling the winter transition firmly underway.
After this week’s warmth, Chicagoans should prepare to swap light jackets for winter coats — November’s bite is about to return.
Five-Day Outlook for Chicago, IL:
Wed: 60/39 – Breezy, mostly sunny.
Thu: 56/50 – Increasing clouds; showers late.
Fri: 64/42 – AM rain, then clearing; colder late.
Sat: 50/36 – Partly sunny; much cooler.
Sun: 41/28 – Breezy, chance of flurries early.
