FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A sharp November chill is settling across northern Indiana this weekend as a powerful lake-effect system eyes the region. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for several counties — including La Porte, St. Joseph, and Marshall — with snow totals between 6 and 12 inches possible by Monday evening. Winds gusting over 25 mph could drop visibility fast, especially near I-80 and U.S. 30.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, snow showers will build Sunday afternoon and intensify overnight into Monday as Arctic air surges over Lake Michigan. The heaviest bands are expected to pivot between Michigan City, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, where road crews may struggle to keep up during the morning commute. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, charge phones, and delay travel if conditions worsen.
The chill follows days of mild, gray skies, but the transition will feel abrupt. Temperatures will tumble from the 40s on Sunday to the lower 20s by Monday night — cold enough for early-season ice on bridges and rural roads. Veterans Day events could face slick or snowy conditions, especially across western and northern counties.
Meanwhile, a solar flare early this morning may produce vivid northern lights from northern Indiana to Michigan, but the same geomagnetic activity could briefly disrupt GPS or radio signals during the day.
By midweek, drier air will settle in, though highs will struggle to reach the upper 30s. Late next week, a gradual warm-up may return just in time for early Thanksgiving travel planning.
Five-Day Forecast for Fort Wayne, IN:
Sat: 49/39 – Cloudy, light east wind.
Sun: 40/34 – Rain changing to snow; heavy bands west.
Mon: 34/23 – Snow likely; 6–12″ near lake, slick roads.
Tue: 34/24 – Mostly cloudy, breezy, lingering flurries.
Wed: 38/32 – Partly sunny, cold start; calm late.
