This week brings the first significant snowfall of the season to the Chicago area. Snow is expected to fall at least through the early afternoon before changing over to cold November rain.

Chicagoans can expect a chilly Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with a chance of snow on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures for Turkey Day itself are expected to be in the mid-30s, according to the National Weather Service.

Chicago experiences higher temperatures longer than outlying suburbs due to the urban heat-island effect. Its location next to Lake Michigan’s warm waters explains why the city and nearby suburbs freeze later in the year than their farther-out counterparts.