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A significant drop in temperatures is on the way with an eventful Thanksgiving weather week
Another gorgeous day with temperatures rising into the mid 60s across the region amid gusty southwesterly winds.
Marked 4y On a consecutive day, Chicagoans enjoyed 100% of their potential sun. The last time a four-day 100% sunny streak occurred at this time of year was 22 years ago in 2001. So far in the first 15 days of November 2023, the region has received an average of 71% of its potential sun – 158% (that’s more One and a half times) the normal amount of sun for this period.
Another warm day is coming on Thursday – from all indications, it is the warmest day of the current mild spell and possibly a second daySecond abbreviation The hottest or hottest day in November 2023 so far with a high reaching 68 amid strong southwest winds ahead of an incoming cold front – winds up to 35 mph at times.
Clouds will increase on Thursday – but rain with the incoming front will hold off until after dark. These showers may continue into early Friday – but gusty northwest winds will clear the skies with high temperatures on Friday likely to reach nearly 20 degrees below the upper 60s on Thursday.
More significant changes are scheduled for next week, Thanksgiving week.
First, a wet and blustery fall storm is set to sweep through Chicago with cold rain Monday night and continue into Tuesday. Cold air sweeping into the back side of the storm could bring rain to some mixed snow to parts of the region – Tuesday – especially later in the day and west and northwest of the city.
Cold air settles in from Tuesday onward, and every day from Tuesday through Wednesday at least the following week is expected to come below normal. This includes Thanksgiving Day (a week from tomorrow – Thursday, November 23) when highs will only reach 41.
A second storm system is indicated for later in the week in many models — it’s not a global forecast yet, but it’s worth monitoring because the cold air present at that time could mean snow is likely.
While average temperatures this week are 8 degrees above normal, Thanksgiving week will drop more than 3 degrees below normal, with daytime highs likely to remain in the mid 30s to low 40s on Wednesday. Until the following week.
Latest metro forecasts
Tonight: Scattered clouds and cool with light winds. Low 41 in town, but mid 30s in some cooler areas away from the lake and town.
ThursdayFourth day: 60 degrees amidst increasing clouds and strong southwesterly winds, possibly reaching 35 miles per hour in the afternoon. High 68 – a reading 20 degrees above normal
Thursday night: Showers and storm. Isolated thunder isn’t entirely out of the question. It gets colder by morning. Low 38.
Friday: It starts out with clouds and a few showers — then it becomes clear, windy and noticeably cooler. High 48.
Saturday and Sunday: Plenty of sunshine during the day – just some mixed clouds, especially Sunday afternoon and evening, and temperatures are cooler than many recent days – but a few degrees above normal. Two-day high 55.
Monday: The appearance of clouds and the intensification of eastern winds. Some rain is likely late, especially southern parts. But the rain spread over the entire area on Monday night. High Monday 51.
Tuesday: Cold, windy and colder rain. Some wet snow is likely in some areas, especially north and west of the city as the day progresses. High 44.
Wednesday: Sunrise followed by increasing clouds. hot. High 40.
