Chicago, Illinois – The Illinois–Indiana region is entering an extended period of elevated winter weather risk as lingering cold across the Midwest keeps the threat for additional snowstorms high through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures are expected to persist across both Illinois and Indiana through the Feb. 7–20 period. With cold air firmly entrenched, any storm system tracking through the Plains, Midwest, or Ohio Valley would likely fall as snow, and longer-range outlooks continue to signal an active pattern capable of producing heavy accumulations.
The renewed concern comes on the heels of Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern delivered widespread snowfall across Illinois and Indiana, with many areas reporting totals well over a foot. Travel conditions deteriorated rapidly along Interstates 55, 57, 65, 70, 80, 90, and 94, while school closures, supply delays, and scattered power outages were reported as heavy snow and gusty winds moved through the region.
As cold conditions persist, communities from Chicago and Rockford through central Illinois into Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and northwest Indiana could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. Illinois Department of Transportation and Indiana DOT officials warn that repeated snow events may strain plowing and treatment operations, while prolonged cold increases the risk of ice buildup on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Emergency management agencies across both states are urging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, restocking winter emergency supplies, and planning for potential travel delays. Drivers are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel during snow events and to monitor IDOT and INDOT updates closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the overall pattern supports continued winter threats. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the risk of heavy snow likely remaining a recurring concern across Illinois and Indiana through mid-February.
