Chicago AccuWeather forecast: Next chance for snow on Friday with lake-effect making for messy commute, including Indiana Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7’s team of meteorologists is closely monitoring the upcoming lake-effect snow expected to affect parts of the Friday morning and afternoon commutes.

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Meteorologist Tracy Butler indicated that this weather system will produce scattered snowfall across the region on Friday.

The snow is anticipated to begin forming over Lake Michigan starting at 5 a.m.

By 9 a.m., winds from the north-northeast are projected to drive the snow system across the Chicago area.

Snowfall accumulations are expected to be between 2 and 6 inches, with higher totals likely in areas closer to Lake Michigan.

As the day progresses, the snow band is expected to move into northwest Indiana.

Snowy Commute Alert: Lake-Effect Snow to Hit Chicago and Indiana This Friday

A Winter Weather Advisory will take effect for Cook, DuPage, Lake counties starting Friday at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Winter Storm Watch will take effect for Porter County and Lake County (Ind.) starting Friday at 3 p.m. until Saturday 6 p.m.

Central and southern Cook County will be under a Winter Storm Watch starting 3 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.

The city warned of slick travel conditions on Friday and Saturday morning.

As for weekend temperatures, Saturday kicks off a “less cold ” trend with highs in the mid-20s.

A person rides a bicycle through blowing snow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Evanston, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.
A person rides a bicycle through blowing snow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Evanston, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato

Meanwhile, a potential blizzard is headed to the Southeast this weekend, impacting the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee.

Some areas could even near 1 foot of snow, especially along the North Carolina coast where the heavy snow may last longer.

READ ALSO | Potential blizzard headed to Southeast this weekend

Cook County Radar | DuPage County Radar | Will County Radar | Lake County Radar (IL) | Kane County Radar | Northwest Indiana Radar


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