Rockford, IL – Northern Illinois is gearing up for a colder and potentially snowy holiday stretch as the NOAA Week 3–4 Outlook points to below-normal temperatures from December 20 through January 2. With both Christmas and New Years falling inside this window, residents should prepare for a wintry setup that may affect holiday travel across the region.
According to NOAA forecasters, the colder-than-normal footprint includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas, creating ideal conditions for snow development throughout northern Illinois. Even areas listed under near-normal precipitation are still likely to see snow due to the widespread cold air mass.
For precipitation, northern Illinois falls within an equal-chances zone, meaning snowfall will depend on individual storm systems rather than a strong wet or dry signal. However, with temperatures consistently trending below normal, several disturbances could bring light to moderate accumulating snow, especially during the Christmas weekend and again near New Years.
Road conditions may become hazardous at times as temperatures remain cold enough for snow to stick quickly, even with minor systems. Commuters across Rockford, the northwest suburbs, DeKalb, Elgin, and the I-90 corridor should anticipate occasional slick spots and reduced visibility through the Dec. 20–Jan. 2 period.
Lake-effect snow could also impact far northeastern Illinois if winds shift off Lake Michigan, although confidence remains moderate at this range.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as system-by-system details take shape closer to the holiday period.
