South Bend, Indiana — Snow is expected to return to northern Indiana late New Year’s Eve afternoon, continuing through the night and potentially creating slick travel conditions as 2026 begins.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, dry conditions this morning will give way to snow developing later this afternoon, especially downwind of Lake Michigan. Snow will continue through the evening and overnight hours before ending before daybreak on New Year’s Day.
Forecast snowfall totals generally range from 1 to 3 inches, with higher amounts possible near Benton Harbor, La Porte, South Bend, Elkhart, and Three Rivers. Lesser amounts are expected farther south, though slick spots may still develop.
Roadways most likely to be impacted include I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road), US-20, US-31, I-69, US-30, and SR-2, particularly during the evening commute and late-night New Year’s Eve travel. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads could become slick quickly once snow begins.
Snow is expected to end before dawn Thursday (New Year’s Day), with dry weather returning for the remainder of the day and continuing into the weekend. High temperatures Thursday will remain cold, generally in the 20s, allowing lingering slick spots to persist early.
The National Weather Service urges drivers heading out for New Year’s Eve celebrations to allow extra travel time, slow down on snow-covered roads, and remain alert, especially north of US-30 where impacts are most likely.
