Chicago forecast: Big weather change brings rain and storms, with snowflakes and slush on the way

Chicago Weather Chicago forecast: Big weather change brings rain and storms, with snowflakes and slush on the way A change is coming to the Chicago-area forecast, with a drop in temperatures, rain, scattered storms and even a chance for snowflakes. By NBC Chicago Staff • Published November 11, 2026 • Updated on November 11, 2026 at 1:43 pm UPDATE: A ground stop was issued for flights heading to Chicago's O'Hare Airport due to thunderstorms. The stop is in effect until at least 2:15 p.m. CT. After weeks of mild and dry weather with bright blue skies, a change is coming to the Chicago-area forecast, with a drop in temperatures, rain, scattered storms and even a chance for snowflakes. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE "Colder weather coming today," NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said, of Wednesday's forecast and what to expect through the end of the week. Wednesday morning started out on the chilly side, with temperatures in the 40s. By about noon, temperatures will top out in the mid-50s, before dropping through the afternoon. The morning hours could also see light rain showers, Jeanes said, starting between about 8 and 9 a.m. The main window for rain and some thunderstorms is between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Jeanes said. NBC 5 Storm Team NBC 5 Storm Team "Once the rain moves in, we drop a few degrees," Jeanes added. The highest chance for heavy rain and storms will be along I-88 and south, Jeanes said. Some lightning strikes are also possible. NBC 5 Storm Team NBC 5 Storm Team Rain will continue in northwest Indiana for the evening commute, with some spotty showers in Illinois. Weather Chicago Weather 1 hour ago Winter weather advisory issued for parts of Chicago area, with wet, slushy snow ahead Chicago Weather 1 hour ago How much snow could you see and when? What to know depending on where you live Thursday will bring lake-effect rain showers through the afternoon, Jeanes said, though the rain could push further inland. Thursday also comes with another drop in temperatures, with readings in the 40s and winds gusting as high as 30 mph. Some snowflakes may mix in, too, mainly in portions of northwest Indiana, leading to possible slush on grassy and elevated surfaces. 🧵(2/2) Here's an early look at approximate timing of the lake effect showers Thursday through Friday night. Snow will mix in at times and may lead to slushy accumulations on grassy and elevated surfaces, mainly at night into portions of NW Indiana away from the lake. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/GGUwbEgmD5 — NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) November 11, 2026 Friday, it will feel even colder, with more lake-effect showers and chances for snowflakes. "By Friday morning, we're dropping close to freezing," Jeanes said, with winds making temperatures feel more like the 20s. The morning commute could also be impacted in northwest Indiana, with slick roads and slushy snow accumulations in spots. When does the Chicago area typically see its first trace of snow? Flakes will continue to mix in with lake-effect rain showers at times Friday, mainly in northwest Indiana. Temperatures will remain in the 40s through the weekend Jeanes said, before warming back into the 50s next week. NBC 5 Storm Team NBC 5 Storm Team This article tagged under: Chicago Weather Chicago Forecast