Weather
Northwest Indiana Snow Alert: Lake Effect Possible Nov. 12–13
Gary, IN – Northwest Indiana could see its first wet snowflakes of the season late this week as a strong cold front sends temperatures plunging and triggers lake effect showers near Lake Michigan. The
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-11-09T21:55:29.557Z
Gary, IN – Northwest Indiana could see its first wet snowflakes of the season late this week as a strong cold front sends temperatures plunging and triggers lake effect showers near Lake Michigan. The greatest potential for rain to mix with snow arrives Thursday night, November 12, through Friday night, November 13.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a fast moving weather system will bring scattered showers Wednesday afternoon and evening before significantly colder air moves across the warmer waters of Lake Michigan.
The resulting temperature contrast is expected to produce periods of lake effect precipitation through the remainder of the week, with northwest Indiana among the areas favored for showers.
Veterans Day, November 11: Rain Arrives Before Cold Front
Wednesday will begin relatively mild, with regional highs ranging from 52 to 61 degrees.
Scattered showers are expected during the afternoon, with rain chances between 40% and 50%.
Additional showers are possible Wednesday night as a strong cold front moves through the region.
Thursday, November 12: Lake Effect Showers Increase
Thursday will bring a noticeable temperature drop, with afternoon highs reaching only 43 to 49 degrees across the broader forecast area.
The National Weather Service indicates a 30% to 80% chance of precipitation Thursday, with the highest probabilities in northwest Indiana.
Blustery conditions and lake effect showers could affect communities including Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Portage, Valparaiso and Michigan City.
Thursday Night Into Friday: First Snowflakes Possible
As colder air settles over the region, some locations could see rain transition to wet snow.
The weather service specifically highlights Thursday night through Friday night as the window when a few communities may experience their first wet snowflakes of the season.
Friday highs are forecast between 40 and 44 degrees, with overnight lows across the forecast region potentially falling between 24 and 36 degrees.
The forecast does not specify snowfall accumulation amounts or indicate a widespread accumulating snow event.
Residents traveling through Lake and Porter counties should monitor updated forecasts, particularly as lake effect precipitation can vary considerably over short distances.