Weather
Illinois-Indiana Snow Alert: Lake-Effect Snow Friday, Nov. 13
Chicago, IL – Communities along the Illinois Indiana border are preparing for a sharp change in weather as lake effect rain showers develop Thursday, November 12, before colder air allows snow to mix
By Wesley Grant · 2026-11-11T11:59:51.317Z
Chicago, IL – Communities along the Illinois Indiana border are preparing for a sharp change in weather as lake effect rain showers develop Thursday, November 12, before colder air allows snow to mix in Thursday night and Friday, November 13.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered showers will move through northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms possible south of Interstate 80.
Lake Effect Showers Shift Toward State Line
Thursday morning and afternoon will bring lake effect rain showers that could spread inland across northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
A few snowflakes may mix with the rain as temperatures fall.
By Thursday night, the lake effect band is expected to shift toward and east of the Illinois Indiana state line, bringing increased precipitation chances to communities near Chicago's southeastern suburbs and northwest Indiana.
Areas around Chicago, Calumet City, Lansing, Hammond, Gary and Valparaiso could experience changing precipitation conditions depending on the location of the lake effect band.
Snow Chances Increase Friday
Friday into Friday night, lake effect precipitation is expected to concentrate primarily across northwest Indiana.
Snow could mix with rain at times, potentially producing minor slushy accumulation on grassy surfaces.
Forecasters indicate that snowfall coverage and intensity will vary considerably depending on the movement of the lake effect band.
Significant widespread snow accumulation is not currently forecast for the Chicago metropolitan area.
Temperatures Fall Into the 20s
Wednesday's highs of 50 to 60 degrees will give way to cooler conditions Thursday, with highs between 42 and 48 degrees.
Friday temperatures are expected to reach only 40 to 45 degrees, while overnight lows across the region could fall between 22 and 34 degrees.
The coldest temperatures are expected away from Lake Michigan, with Chicago and lakeshore communities remaining relatively warmer.
Lake effect showers could continue into early Saturday before conditions gradually improve.
Residents traveling along the Illinois Indiana border should monitor updated forecasts, especially Thursday night and Friday when localized precipitation could affect road conditions.