Winter Weather Alert: Lake-Effect Snow to Hit Chicago Area

A lake-effect snow system is poised to bring Chicagoans their first taste of winter weather this weekend, unleashing up to six inches of accumulating snow. A winter storm watch will take effect at midnight on Monday for portions of Cook and Will counties, as well as Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana, as “intense bands” of lake-effect snow are possible, the National Weather Service said.

Parts of the Chicago area will be spared, and those expecting snow likely won’t see any accumulation until Sunday night. But some flurries are possible earlier on this weekend. As the region gears up for a wintry blast, here’s what is expected to happen and when:

Saturday Afternoon

Rain will likely start developing in the late afternoon and begin spreading from east to west, the NWS stated in a social media post. If you have any outdoor plans, you’ll want to keep your umbrella handy. Temperature-wise, readings in the mid 40s to low 50s are expected, though they won’t stick around for long.

Saturday Evening

As temperatures drop during the evening hours, showers will begin transitioning to slushy, wet snow through early Sunday. According to the NWS, a low chance – roughly 20 to 30% – exists for slushy accumulation away from Lake Michigan. Cooler air will cause temperatures to plunge to around the freezing mark, and chill values will drop to the 20s.

Sunday Morning/Afternoon

Parts of the Chicago area could wake up to snow early Sunday; a band of lake-effect snow might lead to minimal snowfall along the lakefront. More than an inch of snow is possible by noon in parts of DeKalb and Kane counties, but that will mainly be on grassy areas, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack said.

Sunday Evening/Overnight Monday

The main event will occur beginning late Sunday, as multiple “intense bands” of lake-effect snow arrive. Localized snowfall rates in excess of two inches per hour, along with low visibility and northerly wind gusts exceeding 35 miles per hour, could lead to dangerous travel conditions, the NWS stated. Meteorologists warn that untreated roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous.

Monday Morning

Continued snowfall could lead to a hectic commute Monday morning. So if you’ll be heading out the door early on, make sure to give yourself extra time. The NWS emphasized the worst conditions are expected during the commute, but they might not be widespread. The agency noted lake-effect snow is “often very localized, with conditions varying from safe to dangerous across just a few miles.”

Here’s a timeline of the weather through the next 60 hours. The Sunday night through Monday time period is the one about which we are most concerned for travel impacts due to lake effect snow. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/oPWQBaLJ8h

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) November 8, 2025

As of Saturday afternoon, it remained uncertain where the lake-effect snow bands will go, though northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana were the “primary threats.”

How Much Snow Should I Expect?

Curious about how much snow you could get by late Monday? Projected totals from some Chicago-area communities are below:

• Grayslake – 1.2 inches
• Winnetka – 3.9 inches
• Calumet Harbor – 4.2 inches
• Wheaton – 1.3 inches
• Crete – 3.8 inches
• Peotone – 1.7 inches
• Oak Lawn – 3.2 inches
• Hobart, Indiana – 6.2 inches
• Hebron, Indiana – 8.4 inches

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chicago area is expected to experience its first taste of winter weather this weekend, with a lake-effect snow system bringing up to six inches of accumulating snow. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is lake-effect snow?

A: Lake-effect snow is a type of snow that occurs when cold air passes over a large body of warm water, such as a lake. The warm water heats the air, causing it to rise and cool, resulting in precipitation in the form of snow.

Q: How much snow can I expect in my area?

A: The amount of snow you can expect varies depending on your location. Check the projected totals from your local weather forecast to get an idea of how much snow you might receive.

Q: What should I do to prepare for the snow?

A: Make sure to check the weather forecast regularly, stock up on supplies, and plan your commute accordingly. It’s also essential to keep an umbrella handy and wear warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold.

Q: Are the roads expected to be hazardous?

A: Yes, untreated roads, especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous due to the snow and freezing temperatures. Exercise caution when driving, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Q: Will the snow affect my daily commute?

A: Yes, the snow may impact your daily commute, especially on Monday morning. Plan ahead, leave early, and check for updates on road conditions and public transportation before heading out.