Forecasters say that chances are increasing for “widespread accumulating snow” over the Thanksgiving weekend that could impact travel in the Chicagoland area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said Tuesday morning that the signal for widespread accumulating snow continues to increase for this coming weekend in northern Illinois.
The snow is expected to begin late Friday evening and continue through Saturday, possibly lasting into Sunday.
The NWS said it is still too early to narrow down specific details with the weather system.
The exact amount of snow in northern Illinois is not known but various weather models all predict over six inches of snow from Friday to Sunday.
Residents and travelers should plan for the potential for “noteworthy post-Thanksgiving holiday travel impacts” due to snow-covered roads, the NWS said. There is currently a more than 70% chance of snow.
The Thanksgiving week forecast shows that a powerful cold front will sweep across the region Tuesday evening with strong westerly winds in its wake through Wednesday evening.
Wind-whipped snow showers and flurries will accompany the very windy conditions, resulting in brief bouts of poor visibility.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations and furniture.
“Plan for difficult driving conditions in open and exposed areas, especially when in a high profile vehicle on north to south oriented roads due to crosswinds,” forecasters said.
Air temperatures will be in the 30s with wind chills of 15-25 degrees.
The NWS said Thanksgiving Day is expected to be blustery and cold, with early morning wind chills of 7-15 degrees.
This December, in a change from other recent Decembers, appears to be headed toward a colder start to meteorological winter 2025-2026, the NWS said.