The National Weather Service says residents across Southern Illinois and surrounding areas should prepare for a sharp turn toward colder, windier conditions beginning today.
A Wind Advisory is in effect for portions of southeast Illinois and southwest Indiana through 3 p.m. today (Wednesday), with gusts expected to reach or exceed 40 mph.
After recent mild weather, temperatures will drop significantly. Highs on Thursday will be 10 to 15 degrees colder, only reaching the mid to upper 40s.
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving and Friday, Canadian high pressure will bring sunshine but keep temperatures on the chilly side. Thanksgiving Day highs will again be in the mid to upper 40s, while Friday looks even colder with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s.
Forecasters say confidence drops heading into the weekend and early next week, but the overall pattern points to a stormier and colder stretch. Multiple chances for precipitation are expected, and with freezing temperatures nearby, a wintry mix cannot be ruled out.
Minor snow accumulation—a few tenths of an inch up to an inch—may occur Saturday morning, though warmer daytime air may limit significant travel issues. Another chance for light wintry precipitation arrives Sunday night into Monday, though forecast confidence remains low.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates as the holiday weekend approaches.