Illinois, Missouri, and Texas to See Drastic Thanksgiving Temperature Split as Cold Front Pushes Across U.S.
ILLINOIS — A dramatic Thanksgiving temperature divide is setting up across the nation, with Illinois and Missouri bracing for a cold, wintry holiday while Texas and the Deep South hold on to spring-like warmth. According to new NOAA forecast data, a powerful cold front will slice through the Midwest and Plains, creating a nearly 50-degree temperature contrast across the country on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The NOAA Blend of Models, shared by WeatherModels.com, shows cold air plunging from the northern Plains into the Midwest, while warm, humid air lingers ahead of the front in the South.
Illinois and Missouri: Chilly Thanksgiving Ahead
Residents in Illinois and eastern Missouri can expect a classic cold-weather Thanksgiving, with highs in the 30s and 40s across much of the region.
- Chicago and Springfield, IL: Highs around 38–42°F with brisk northwest winds.
- St. Louis, MO: Temperatures near 45°F before falling quickly after sunset.
- Northern Illinois: Wind chills in the 20s by evening, signaling the arrival of Arctic air.
Meteorologists say this sharp cooldown marks the arrival of a major cold front expected to push across the central U.S. midweek, ushering in below-average temperatures for much of the Midwest and northern Plains.
Texas and the South: Warm and Breezy
While the Midwest digs out its jackets, the Lone Star State and much of the South will experience a warm, comfortable holiday.
- Dallas and Austin, TX: Highs near 72–75°F under sunny skies.
- Houston and San Antonio: Reaching 78–80°F, staying mild even into the evening.
- Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama: Temperatures will hover in the 70s, ideal for outdoor gatherings.
The dividing line between cool and warm air will stretch across the central U.S., marking where the front will stall before pushing eastward late Friday.
Northern and Western States: Early Winter Conditions
Farther north and west, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas are forecast to spend the day well below freezing, with highs only in the 20s and low 30s. Snow showers could accompany the colder air in the northern Rockies, while Colorado and Wyoming see highs near 40°F.
Meanwhile, California will enjoy a seasonally mild Thanksgiving, with Los Angeles and San Diego sitting near 70°F, though inland valleys will cool quickly after sunset.
Travel and Weather Outlook
With millions expected to travel for Thanksgiving, forecasters warn of potential travel delays in colder regions due to slick roads and possible frost formation overnight. Airlines have not issued weather-related advisories yet, but passengers flying through Chicago, St. Louis, or Denver should prepare for possible early-morning delays if temperatures drop further.
“Thanksgiving will look like two different seasons across the country,” said a forecaster at SpaghettiModels.com. “Winter in Illinois and Missouri, and spring in Texas.”
Stay tuned for updates as the cold front’s track becomes clearer in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.