After a blustery, chilly Thanksgiving day, a winter storm watch will be in effect for much of northern and central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana from 3 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Sunday, with possible snow accumulations of over 6 inches.
Snow will develop late Friday through Saturday night, and will fall heavily at times — up to an inch per hour, especially during the day Saturday. Daytime temperatures both days will remain in the lower to mid-30s, dropping to the 20s at night.
Travel will be most affected on Saturday, as snow-covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous conditions. Wind gusts from the southeast will reach up to 25 miles per hour.
Even as snow continues to fall, it might not accumulate as much after sunset Saturday. At night, snowfall might mix with or change to a drizzle or light rain, mainly south of I-80 and east of I-55, which could reduce accumulation totals.
The wintry weather in the downstate Bloomington-Normal area led Illinois High School Association officials to postpone Saturday’s championship games in the 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A classes for the first time in 51 years.
Conditions will improve Sunday morning, though it will get “blustery” again like earlier this week, with a few flurries. Meteorologists suggest altering travel plans originally scheduled for Saturday, but those who can’t make changes should prepare with an emergency supply kit, share plans with loved ones and winterize their vehicle.
Chicago weather: How our 2025-26 seasonal snowfall compares with previous years
Travelers should also clean off vehicles before driving, drive slowly and avoid cruise control, and leave extra distance between vehicles, especially snow plows.
After the storm passes, temperatures will plunge Sunday night to the 10s and could get as low as 1 degree. Monday highs are forecast between 16 and 22, and fluffy snow could fall that evening.
