Chicago, Illinois – Scattered lake-effect snow showers are expected tonight near Lake Michigan, with the highest impacts focused across northwest Indiana before conditions quiet down for the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, lake-effect snow showers will develop this evening and persist overnight, primarily affecting Porter County, Indiana, and nearby lakeshore communities. Snow chances are highest near Interstate 90, Interstate 94, and Interstate 80, where brief reductions in visibility and slick road conditions may occur.
Forecasters indicate that snowfall amounts will remain limited and localized, with minor accumulations possible, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces. The snow showers are expected to taper off by Saturday morning, ending around midday as winds shift and drier air moves in.
Elsewhere across northern Illinois, including the Chicago metro area, conditions are expected to remain largely dry overnight, though cold temperatures will persist. Overnight lows are forecast to fall into the single digits and teens, with wind chills remaining cold into early Saturday.
After the lake-effect activity ends, a quiet and gradually warming pattern is expected for the remainder of the weekend and into next week. Saturday highs will reach the low to mid-20s, warming into the upper 20s and 30s on Sunday.
By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to climb into the 40s and low 50s, marking a notable warmup following recent cold conditions. No widespread rain or snow is expected through most of the upcoming week, though spotty light rain may develop by Tuesday night.
Commuters traveling overnight or early Saturday near northwest Indiana should allow extra time and remain alert for changing road conditions, particularly along lakeshore routes. Students and weekend workers may notice improved conditions as temperatures rebound.
The National Weather Service advises checking weather.gov/chicago for localized updates, especially for communities near Lake Michigan where lake-effect snow can be highly variable.
