Chicago, Illinois – A divided winter weather pattern is setting up across the Midwest late next week, with rain and snow chances running above normal in parts of the Great Lakes while remaining closer to seasonal levels farther west between Jan 20 and Jan 26. The pattern favors more frequent precipitation east of the Mississippi River, with fewer widespread systems affecting the central Plains.
According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and parts of Minnesota are now highlighted for above-normal precipitation during the 8–14 day period. This increases the likelihood of multiple rain and snow events across the region, especially as colder air periodically dips south from Canada.
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan are expected to see the most active conditions. Cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, and Grand Rapids may experience several rounds of precipitation, with rain during milder periods and snow becoming more likely overnight and during colder windows. In Michigan and northern Ohio, colder air could allow snow to dominate at times, especially away from the immediate lakeshores.
Parts of Minnesota, particularly central and eastern sections, also lean wetter than normal, with snow favored as temperatures remain cold enough to support accumulation.
Farther west, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri are expected to see precipitation closer to seasonal averages. While rain or snow is still possible, the overall frequency and coverage of systems should be lower compared to states farther east. Areas such as Des Moines, Omaha, Madison, and St. Louis may see longer dry breaks between systems.
Travel impacts are most likely across major corridors including I-90, I-94, I-80, I-70, and I-75, where changing precipitation types could create slick conditions at times.
Residents across the Midwest should monitor updated outlooks as the pattern evolves. Confidence in timing and precipitation type will improve as the window approaches, and additional advisories may be issued if individual systems become better defined.
