Illinois Weather Alert: First Freeze and Snow Risk Hits This Weekend

Yep. It’s happening. After an unusually cozy start to November, Illinois is about to get smacked with reality, the kind that makes you say, “Wait… didn’t I JUST take the AC out of the window?”

A powerful cold front is barreling in from Canada this weekend, and while it’s not a lock that we’ll see flakes everywhere, the first real shot of winter weather is officially on the table for Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Temps Crash Fast

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Highs tumble from the 50s and 60s into the 40s Saturday, then the 30s by Sunday and Monday. O’Hare is expected to see its first freeze of the season, more than two weeks later than average.

And yes, we’re talking hard freeze territory early next week with lows sinking into the 20s across northern Illinois.

Snow? It’s Possible

Some models are hinting at a rain-to-wet-snow transition Saturday night into Sunday morning. No shovels necessary… surface temps near freezing mean most roads stay just wet, with only bridges and overpasses seeing slick spots. Light grassy dusting possible in favored spots.

Could the track shift? Absolutely. That’s why we watch this one.

Radar Watch Starts Now

This developing system spins up Saturday in Nebraska and heads toward Chicagoland. We’ll be monitoring, because the first snowfall teases of the season love to surprise us.

Weekend Forecast

From CBS Chicago. For the most up-to-date forecast, visit the National Weather Service website.

Bundle up. Winter’s knocking… just softly… for now.

READ MORE: 13 Things That Will Make Winter Suck Less in Illinois