Weather impacts to Thanksgiving travel looking less likely

Monday was just another prime example of how difficult it is for northern Illinois to see sunshine during the "BER" months. 

If fact, Monday was Rockford's 10th straight day where a mostly cloudy to overcast sky was observed (80% cloud cover or more). Fortunately, cloud cover decreased while you were sleeping as an area of high pressure dropped to our south.

 

Two things will result. Of course, we begin the day with a decent amount of sunshine. But also, temperatures will be rather cold out the door, sitting in the mid to upper 20s. Combine that with this morning's light westerly wind and you get wind chill values in the upper teens. BRRRR! Tuesday's chilly start will pave the way for a chilly afternoon as highs peak in the upper 30s. Compared to late-November standards, this lands 4° below average. All in all, have the thicker coat on from start to finish. 

Clouds will begin to increase late in the day, turning mostly cloudy overnight. This is all in response to the same storm system that we've been keeping an eye on since the later half of last week. Now, forecast models continue to keep the brunt of the precipitation shield to the south of the I-80 corridor. 

 

 

This leaves the highest impacts to holiday travel confined to portions of Missouri, downstate Illinois, central Indiana, and Ohio. Locally, I still wound up leaving as small chance for a scattered light mix Wednesday afternoon/evening. 

On the backside of the low, northwest flow will set up across the western Great Lakes. This will pave the way for afternoon highs in the upper 30s but also a chance for flurries for Thanksgiving. 

If you thought upper 30s was cold, even colder conditions settle in for the Black Friday, and Stroll on State Saturday. Afternoon highs tumble into the mid to upper 20s Friday, Saturday and even Sunday, with overnight lows falling into the teens. 

 Needless to say, you’ll want to be plenty bundled up if you’re heading out this weekend!