5 Things You Should Know Today - Nov. 22, 2011

It should start raining today, but that won't dampen the spirits of school children looking forward to a long holiday weekend:

1. The weather

The National Weather Service predicts a 100 percent chance of rain, mainly after noon, and winds gusting as high as 20 miles an hour. Look for a high near 46, with a low around 37 tonight. Rain should taper off after 4 a.m. Wednesday.

2. School's out

Thanksgiving break starts at the close of school today. Students go back to class on Monday.

3. City offices closed Nov. 25, too

and city halls and the will be closed both Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day, and Nov. 25. The branches will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, but will resume regular hours Nov. 25.

4. Look ahead: Blood drive

The holiday season always brings with it a critical need for blood and blood products, and you can start helping out tomorrow, at the on Haggerty. Find more donation times and dates at redcrossblood.org (search by ZIP code).

5. Look ahead:

Mayor Pro-Tem Nancy Bates, chosen by her colleagues at their last regular meeting, will be sworn in during Monday's Farmington Hills city council meeting. Officials will start the evening with a 6 p.m. work session in the community room at city hall, to discuss deer hunting and a 2020 Visioning report on jobs and education. The regular agenda, taken up at 7:30 p.m., includes a presentation of the city's annual financial report.