CHICAGO — Wintry weather will persist across portions of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana through tonight, with the greatest impacts expected near Lake Michigan, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. While much of the region will trend drier heading into the weekend, lake effect snow showers may cause localized travel issues overnight and into early Saturday.
Snow coverage is expected to be highest in northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana early this morning, shifting toward northwest Indiana tonight as colder air flows across the lake. Localized snow accumulations of up to 1 to 2 inches are possible, particularly in eastern Porter County and nearby lake-adjacent communities.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 80, and nearby roadways should be prepared for brief reductions in visibility and slick road conditions, especially during heavier snow showers. Even small snowfall amounts may create hazardous travel due to gusty winds and falling temperatures.
Friday will remain windy, with highs ranging from the mid-30s to upper 30s, before colder air settles in overnight. Lake effect snow showers in northwest Indiana are expected to diminish by early Saturday morning, allowing conditions to gradually improve.
Saturday will be noticeably colder, with highs in the low to mid-20s, before temperatures begin a warming trend on Sunday and into next week. By Monday, highs are forecast to rebound into the upper 30s to near 50 degrees, signaling a return to more seasonable conditions.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay alert for changing road conditions overnight, slow down when encountering snow-covered pavement, and allow extra travel time. While widespread impacts are not anticipated, localized lake effect snow can create sudden hazards, especially for early morning commuters near the lake.
