Chicagoans, we're almost there!
Thanksgiving is only a few days away, which means it's time to start coordinating details about potential travels. Whether you're taking a flight out of town to visit friends and family or opting to drive somewhere, Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be some of the busiest travel days of the years, so you're going to want to plan accordingly.
With that in mind, we did some research to figure out what the best time to embark on your journey is.
What is the weather forecast for this Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago?
The first snow of the season has come and gone, but here we are preparing for a second wave of heavy precipitation.
According to the National Weather Service, in fact, "waves of snow" will potentially settle on Chicago starting Tuesday night through Thanksgiving Day, on Thursday. Although the models aren't yet clear—exact potentially impacted areas have not been determined—the mere chance of some powder will undoubtedly affect the busy holiday period.
To top it off, it's supposed to get pretty cold on Thursday night, with temperatures in the teens. Good thing we'll likely all be stuffed with turkey and mashed potatoes, sure to keep us warm.
When is the best time to drive out of Chicago in my car on Thanksgiving weekend?
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the city's highways are going to be "busiest on Tuesday and Wednesday around 2pm." If you're ready to go, opt to head out tonight after 8pm, when traffic is expected to be lightest.
If you just can't make it out of here until Thanksgiving Day, try to at least be on your way before 11am to avoid the most significant portion of the delays. Departing after 1pm may also be a good idea.
As for your return back home, the American Automobile Association warns that the peak congestion route—Indianapolis to Chicago via I-65 N—will be most trafficked on Sunday, December 1 around 3:45pm. The journey's estimated travel time will be a little over four hours (four hours and 11 minutes, to be precise), which is about 45% longer than it would usually take you.
No matter what your plans are, stay safe, warm and enjoy the holiday!