As a frigid air mass moves into the central U.S., intense lake-effect snow is expected to impact the Chicago area late Sunday night into Monday. Forecasters predict temperatures will drop into the 30s during this period.
The National Weather Service has issued the season’s first winter storm watch, effective from late Sunday night through Monday. This watch signals the arrival of the area’s first snowfall of the season. Officials warn of high snowfall rates per hour, low visibility, and potentially hazardous road conditions.
The storm watch covers Cook County in Illinois, as well as Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. The cold air mass is expected to arrive with a storm system on Saturday night, bringing periods of snow and significantly cooler temperatures through Monday.
On Saturday afternoon and evening, steady rain is anticipated across the region before changing over to snow as temperatures drop. In central, northern, and southern Cook Counties, snowfall rates could reach about 2 inches per hour. Winds may also strengthen, gusting up to 25 mph, according to officials.
Residents are advised to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions and to exercise caution while traveling during this winter storm event.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/winter-storm-watch-in-effect-through-monday-first-snow/