Mild or Snowy? Almanacs Differ on Illinois’ Thanksgiving Forecast

We're just one week out from Halloween 2025, and we've already noticed a big change in temperatures from what we were enjoying only a week ago. Halloween weather doesn't look too bad on the extended forecast, but what about Thanksgiving Day, which rolls around on November 27th?

As we work our way toward Thanksgiving week in Northern Illinois (November 24th through November 28th), two classic long-range forecasts from the almanacs deliver very different vibes, and they add an interesting contrast to what the commercial forecasters suggest might happen with Thanksgiving's weather.

So let's take a look at what the almanacs say. Whether you're a Farmer's or Old Farmers' fan, or even if you prefer to follow the predictions of the professional meteorologists out there, here's what they all think about Thanksgiving 2025's weather in Northern Illinois.

Let's Start With The Old Farmers' Almanac...

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, in its national Thanksgiving-week outlook, calls for “a patchwork of weather” across the US, with the Midwest, which includes Illinois, leaning toward mild and mostly dry conditions. Their map shows the Upper Midwest may see some light flurries, but the Heartland (which also includes much of Illinois) is slated for warmer-than-normal temperatures and only light rainfall. More specifically, a local Illinois summary notes that our region should expect mild temps and plenty of sunshine over the Thanksgiving holiday week.

Mild temps, not tropical temps. Big difference.

Here's What The Other Almanac Thinks About Thanksgiving Weather In Northern Illinois

On the other side, we have the Farmers’ Almanac. For Zone 2 (Great Lakes/Ohio Valley/Midwest, which covers Illinois) they predict light snow through the week then clearing skies on Thanksgiving Day. It seems as though for the Chicago-area Thanksgiving travel forecast they’re optimistic. The Farmers' Almanac expects plenty of sunshine and virtually no rain or snow to spoil holiday road trips.

Speaking of Thanksgiving travel, with gas prices down and forecasts looking optimistic, expect huge travel numbers this Thanksgiving Day week.

Here's What The Commercial Weather Forecasters Think About Thanksgiving Weather

The long-range data from AccuWeather don’t yet give a detailed Thanksgiving-day breakdown for Northern Illinois and Chicago, but broader November outlooks suggest something a little more cautious, like perhaps chilly, dry conditions with some chance of early season snow/flurries around the Great Lakes.

Meanwhile, while we don’t have a specific forecast from The Weather Channel yet narrowed down to Thanksgiving, looking back at previous Thanksgiving Days shows travel-week weather in Chicago and throughout Northern Illinois can include scattered showers or even light snow events.

The bottom line is the almanacs are leaning toward a mostly favorable forecast for Thanksgiving with milder temps and dry conditions. The Farmers’ Almanac hints at a brief dusting of snow earlier in the week, while the Old Farmer’s Almanac is less worried. The commercial forecasters aren’t spelling out an exact scenario yet, but they’re reminding travelers to stay alert because early snow/flurries are not out of the question.