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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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


Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Ex-US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona dies at 84 after battling neurological disorder

Former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl Dies at 84 After Neurological Disorder Battle

PHOENIX — Jon Kyl, the former Arizona Republican senator whose nearly 30-year…
3 victims identified in deadly NorCal car crash in El Doardo Hills

3 Victims Identified in Fatal El Dorado Hills Car Crash

A bride-to-be was among three people killed after a Tesla crashed into…
Grand Teton National Park forced to kill bear

Grand Teton National Park Euthanizes Bear After Safety Concerns

A black bear was euthanized at Grand Teton National Park last week…
Patrick Clancy makes heartbreaking revelation about his dead children in first interview since mistrial

Patrick Clancy Shares Heartbreaking Details About His Children’s Deaths in First Interview Since Mistrial

Patrick Clancy says he continues to speak with his three deceased children…
Penthouse Pet Adva Lavie investigated in ex-fiancé drugging case

Penthouse Pet Adva Lavie Investigated in Ex-Fiancé Drugging Case

The legal troubles surrounding Penthouse Pet Adva Lavie have taken an unexpected…
Texas Air National Guard pilot ejects safely before F-16 crash in Michigan

Texas Air National Guard Pilot Safely Ejects Before F-16 Crashes in Michigan

A Texas Air National Guard pilot ejected from an F-16 fighter jet…
Florida man Saul Vargas claims he was celebrating 21st birthday when he destroyed NYC taxi after Knicks Game 4 win

Florida Man Saul Vargas Says He Was Celebrating 21st Birthday When He Damaged NYC Taxi After Knicks Game 4 Win

Birthday destruction. A Florida man cited his 21st birthday as he tried…
South Side residents voice opposition to proposed Amtrak maintenance facility near Rate Field at public meeting

South Side Residents Push Back on Amtrak Plan Near Rate Field

CHICAGO () — A crowded public meeting in Pilsen turned contentious as…
California mom killed in fatal Tamarack Beach DUI hit-and-run

California Mom Killed in Suspected DUI Hit-and-Run at Tamarack Beach

A California mother of three was killed in a suspected DUI hit-and-run…
Saudi Arabia facing 'biggest threat' ever to oil production as Iran-proxy Houthis launch attacks, expert says

Houthi Attacks Pose Saudi Arabia’s Biggest Oil Threat Yet

Saudi Arabia is confronting what one regional security specialist described as the…
Hero NYC cop praised as 'strong mom' for saving son from clutches of crazed kidnapper while pregnant

Pregnant NYPD Officer Praised for Rescuing Her Son From Alleged Kidnapper

A Brooklyn father has praised his pregnant wife as a hero after…
Texas man who killed 3 in 2005 burglary executed after warden asks him for last words

Texas Executes Man Convicted of Killing Three in 2005 Burglary

A Texas death row inmate was offered a final chance to speak…