Chicago, Illinois – A broad late-winter warm-up is setting up across Illinois and Indiana, bringing a noticeable break from recent cold and signaling a quieter stretch of weather for the central Midwest. Temperatures are expected to trend above seasonal averages, improving travel conditions and gradually melting lingering snow across both states.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, the Feb. 9–15 outlook favors above-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest, with a strong warm signal stretching from the Plains into the Great Lakes. Illinois and Indiana both fall firmly within that zone, pointing to several days of milder-than-average conditions.
In Illinois, including Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield, afternoon highs are expected to climb into the upper 30s and 40s, easing daytime ice concerns and improving conditions along major routes such as Interstates 80, 88, and 55. Farther south, temperatures may run even warmer during peak afternoon hours.
Across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Bloomington, highs are also expected to reach the 40s, helping clear secondary roads and sidewalks. Northern Indiana cities such as Fort Wayne and South Bend warm more gradually, but prolonged bitter cold looks unlikely.
Despite the warming trend, the pattern remains dry. No organized snow or rain systems are evident during this stretch, keeping travel disruptions minimal but limiting new moisture.
Overnight refreezing remains possible, especially on untreated surfaces. Additional outlooks will determine whether the mild pattern holds deeper into February or if colder air returns later in the month.
