Thanksgiving Weekend Forecast: Cold Arctic Air Could Bring Early Winter Chill to the Midwest
UNITED STATES — Meteorologists are keeping an eye on a potential Arctic blast that could move into the Midwestern United States in the days following Thanksgiving, signaling a notable temperature drop and a chance for early winter snow.
While it’s still too early for firm predictions, long-range outlooks from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center show a strong chance of below-average temperatures across a wide section of the country between November 27 and December 3.
Models Hint at a Colder Post-Holiday Pattern
The current outlook map indicates a cooling trend that would stretch from the Dakotas and Great Lakes down into parts of the Central Plains and Midwest, with much of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri included in the below-normal temperature zone.
Some extended computer models even hint at the possibility of light snow developing the weekend after Thanksgiving — though forecasters caution that specific snowfall predictions remain highly uncertain.
“Yes, colder air looks likely to settle in across the Midwest after Thanksgiving,” meteorologists said, “but it’s far too early to call this a major snow event.”
Normal Seasonal Shift — Not ‘Snowmageddon’
While the term “Thanksgiving Snowmageddon” has been circulating online, experts say the setup is not unusual for late November.
This time of year typically sees brief Arctic intrusions, especially as the jet stream begins dipping southward.
In other words, cooler weather and a few snowflakes are not out of the ordinary for the holiday season in Illinois and the surrounding states.
What Residents Should Expect
- Temperatures: Could fall 10–20°F below seasonal norms after Thanksgiving weekend.
- Snow potential: Limited to light or scattered snow showers for now.
- Timing: Coldest air may arrive between November 29 and December 2.
Meteorologists stress that forecasts will refine in the coming days as models better capture the Arctic front’s exact path and strength.
For now, residents should plan for colder conditions heading into December — but hold off on any panic about a snowstorm.
Stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com for weather updates and local forecasts through the Thanksgiving holiday.
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.