Science & Nature

Thanksgiving Weekend Forecast Calls for High Winds and Winter Storm With ‘Plowable’ Levels of Snow Possible

Winter weather doesn’t take the holidays off, with high winds and the potential for significant snowfall likely to affect travelers on the front and back ends of the Thanksgiving weekend.

The National Weather Service is warning of wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour Wednesday, which will have the greatest impact on motorists on north/south roads. Peak westerly gusts of 48 mph had already been recorded in Chicago by 6 a.m. Wednesday and were expected to increase throughout the day.

Wind-whipped snow showers and flurries are possible and wind chills will be in the 15- to 20-degree range, according to meteorologists.

Thanksgiving Day looks to be the calmest, least active weather day, but still cold.

(National Weather Service Chicago)

Folks with outdoor and/or travel plans Friday through Sunday should keep an eye on a winter storm system expected to reach the Chicago region late Friday night, with impacts through Saturday night.

Though the weather service said it’s still too early to narrow down specific details, there’s a possibility of “plowable” amounts of snow accumulation, particularly on Saturday. 

The main uncertainty, the weather service said, revolves around when and where snow turns to rain on Saturday, which will affect snow totals. Regardless, there will be travel impacts region-wide, according to the weather service. 

Very cold weather will settle in Sunday night after the system passes through. 

For updated forecasts throughout the weekend, check the National Weather Service Chicago website and social media pages.

Meteorologists will continue to refine their forecast regarding the approaching winter storm system. (National Weather Service Chicago)

Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]

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