The Midwest is preparing for a slow-moving midweek storm system that will bring multiple rounds of precipitation to northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including the Chicago metro area, beginning Tuesday and lingering into Thursday morning. While confidence is growing in the overall evolution, exact snowfall amounts remain conditional on temperature trends and storm track.
On Tuesday, milder air ahead of the system is expected to support widespread rain, especially across Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, Aurora, and Gary. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the 40s, allowing precipitation to remain liquid for much of the day. Wet roadways and reduced visibility are possible during periods of steadier rain, particularly during the Tuesday commute.
By Tuesday night into Wednesday, colder air advancing south from the Upper Midwest is expected to cause rain to transition to snow, first across far northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including areas near Rockford, DeKalb, Valparaiso, and La Porte. The changeover may be gradual, with periods of mixed precipitation before snow becomes dominant.
Wednesday appears to be the most impactful period, as snow may persist for much of the day and into the evening. While snowfall rates are not expected to be extreme, the duration of snow, combined with falling temperatures, raises concern for slick roads, slushy accumulation, and reduced visibility. Gusty winds may further complicate travel, especially on open roadways.
Snow showers may linger into early Thursday morning, particularly east of Chicago into northwest Indiana, before tapering off as the system exits. Any untreated roads could remain icy through the Thursday commute.
Drivers are urged to monitor forecasts closely, as small changes in temperature or storm speed could significantly affect snow coverage and travel impacts across the region.
