Chicago’s Veterans Day outlook features showers and a high in the mid-50s.
Showers Expected Wednesday Afternoon
Showers are expected Wednesday afternoon, and gusts could reach 25 mph.
The latest outlook places the showers in the afternoon.
Thursday Brings Stronger Winds And More Showers
Showers may continue Wednesday night, with a low near 40. Thursday looks colder and windier: rain showers are likely through the day, the high is forecast near 47, and north winds of 20 to 25 mph could gust to 35 mph.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Michigan nearshore waters through Friday evening. The National Weather Service says Central Great Lakes criteria include sustained winds or frequent gusts of 22 to 33 knots, inclusive, and/or waves greater than 4 feet; thresholds vary by region. For anyone heading onto Lake Michigan, the advisory is a reason to take the choppy-water conditions seriously. For most Chicago residents, umbrellas and extra layers will both earn their keep.
Rain Could Mix With Snow Late Thursday
Thursday night’s low is expected to be around 36, with rain showers possibly mixing with snow after 3 a.m. Friday. Friday’s forecast calls for a 40% chance of rain and snow showers and a high near 44; the most persistent lake-effect activity is expected toward northwest Indiana.
Chicago and areas near the Illinois-Indiana line could see snowflakes, but widespread accumulation on paved surfaces is not favored. Mild ground temperatures make a slushy mess less likely, though heavier showers could briefly make conditions look more wintry.
What the lake-effect outlook means
The National Weather Service Chicago uses 1991–2020 climate normals as a long-term baseline, not as a prediction for this particular year.
NOAA Climate.gov explains that lake-effect snow depends in part on how warm and ice-free a lake is and how cold the air moving over it is. The site also reports research suggesting lake-effect snow totals along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan increased from 1927 to 2007, while cautioning that snowfall records have known quality limitations. Those regional findings do not predict snowfall in Chicago this week.
Sunshine Returns For The Weekend
The weather finally settles Saturday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 46. Sunday should stay mostly sunny with a high near 48.
