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FreightWaves LIVE forecast update: Snow, cold and wind, oh my!

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There’s a big chill and some snow heading to Chicago next week during the freight industry’s hottest event, FreightWaves LIVE. But don’t fret – you will be glued to your seat in the warmth of McCormick Place, not wanting to miss any of the excitement.

Almost 1,500 people are coming to FreightWaves LIVE, the premier freight conference of the year. It will feature quick-fire demos of the latest technologies, keynote presentations from top-ranked speakers and visionary fireside chats designed to keep everyone there on the cusp of the latest trends and factors impacting the freight industry as we head into 2020. As of this afternoon, Nov. 8, tickets are still available. But we’re nearly sold out, so get them fast.

People are coming from all areas of the United States and the world to experience this exciting, fun and high-tech event. McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America. Although you’ll be spending most of your time indoors, the weather in Chicago may affect your travel plans. So here’s an update on the forecast.

If you’re a warm weather fan, Mother Nature won’t be kind to you in Chicago. Bring a heavy coat, gloves and a scarf for the few minutes you’ll be spending outside.


If you’re arriving on Sunday, Nov. 10, you’ll beat the snow to the chase. The sky will become increasingly overcast with a high around 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 Celsius), the warmest reading you’ll see the entire time at FreightWaves LIVE. Then, the weather gets messy Sunday night as rain changes to snow and the low drops to around 27 F.

SONAR Critical Events: Friday, November 8, 2019, 3:00 p.m. EST.

There’s a good chance that snow will be falling steadily until late afternoon on Monday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Two to three inches could pile before it’s all over. The high that day will be very cold, around 25 F. Some light snow will stick around Monday night with a low around 15 F.

Temperatures are forecast to stay below freezing the entire two days and nights of FreightWaves LIVE, Nov. 12 and 13. Frigid afternoon highs will range from 25 to 30 F, with lows in the teens late night/early morning. At least there will be plenty of sunshine each day if you have to step outside for a moment. Then, there’s a chance of snow showers returning Wednesday night and Thursday.

The wind will add an extra bite to the air. Gusts of 20 to 35 mph will create windchills around zero degrees Monday night and early Tuesday, then again Tuesday night and early Wednesday. This is how cold it will feel outside. Our suggestion – simply stay indoors and enjoy the event.


Now, some people may think this level of cold isn’t unusual in Chicago this time of year, but it is. The average high/low for the Windy City in mid-November is 50/34 degrees. So during FreightWaves LIVE, the daytime high temperatures will be colder than the normal low temperatures. But, hopefully, everyone will forget about the weather once they get there.

Look for more forecast updates on the FreightWaves website and our social media accounts. We look forward to seeing everyone at FreightWaves LIVE! Safe travels!

Nick Austin

Nick is a meteorologist with 20 years of forecasting and broadcasting experience. He was nominated for a Midsouth Emmy for his coverage during a 2008 western Tennessee tornado outbreak. He received his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Florida State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management from the Georgia Tech. Nick is a member of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. As a member of the weather team at WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tennessee, Nick was nominated for a Mid-South Emmy for live coverage of a major tornado outbreak in February 2008. As part of the weather team at WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Nick shared the Chattanooga Times-Free Press Best of the Best award for “Best Weather Team” eight consecutive years.