This week in the Midwest, the weather is anything but predictable. From a chilly start with snow to a warm and sunny forecast, Meteorologist Amy Freeze covers all you need to know for your weekly weather planning.

This week in the Midwest, the weather is anything but predictable. From a chilly start with snow to a warm and sunny forecast, Meteorologist Amy Freeze covers all you need to know for your weekly weather planning.
A lively radar picture shows a complex weather day across the Midwest. Starting from Lake Michigan, snow is sweeping over northern Michigan, including spots like Saginaw, as well as Detroit, transitioning to a mix of wintry conditions over parts of Chicago. Farther south, the snow gives way to lighter rain stretching toward central Indiana, affecting cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Meanwhile, across the Ohio Valley, a significant band of rain is advancing through Cleveland and Columbus, moving eastward into Pennsylvania. Expect showers to bring substantial moisture to these areas today. In the southern section of our radar, Louisville and Bowling Green are also experiencing spots of rain. It’s a wet day ahead with showers continuing in these regions. Skies are clearing farther west, with cities like Des Moines and Kansas City missing out on the precipitation today and enjoying dry but potentially cloudy conditions.
For this evening in Chicago, expect clear skies with temperatures dipping from 37 degrees at 8 PM to 35 degrees by 10 PM. By midnight, temperatures reach 34 degrees. Wind conditions are starting from the north-northwest at 3 miles per hour and shift to a gentle southwest breeze at 4 miles per hour as the night progresses. Enjoy the crisp, calm air if you’re heading out tonight!
Tonight in the Midwest, temperatures are plunging into the low 30s and even colder in some areas. Expect a chilly 27 degrees in Des Moines, which is certainly a significant drop. Chicago will see a low of 33 degrees, while Peoria also drops to 33 degrees. The Kansas City area will rest at 36 degrees, matching Springfield at the same temperature. Meanwhile, Indianapolis is set for a low of 42 degrees, slightly milder than its neighbors. Looking northward, Fort Wayne will hit 38 degrees, while further east, Cleveland will round out the night at 46 degrees. It’s a clear trend of colder air settling in for the region.
Expect a pleasant day tomorrow across the Midwest with warmer-than-average temperatures. In Chicago, the high reaches 57 degrees, while due west in Peoria, temperatures climb to 62 degrees. Indianapolis will see a high of 57 degrees as well, and further south in Louisville, expect a high of 59 degrees. Kansas City enjoys a nice 66 degrees, matched by Springfield. These readings are a bit above average for this time of year, influenced by a high-pressure system settling over the region, bringing milder air. Overall, a warm trend continues, making it a lovely day ahead.
A cold front is set to approach the Midwest, impacting areas like Chicago, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis by late Thursday evening. Expect rain showers transitioning to a mix of snow along the eastern regions, especially between Cleveland and Charleston. This may lead to slick travel conditions overnight. Further to the northeast, light snow persists, particularly in the Cleveland area. Temperatures will drop, contributing to a chilly start on Friday, with potential clearing and drier conditions by late afternoon. Stay vigilant to updates, particularly in eastern parts of this region, as weather conditions can shift rapidly over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The UV index in Chicago will be moderate on Thursday with a value of 5, which means a burn time of around 27 minutes if exposed directly to the sun. As for Friday, the UV index slightly lowers to 4, extending the burn time to about 35 minutes. Make sure to wear sun protection, especially during midday when the sun is strongest!
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Thursday: Expect sunny skies with a high of 44 degrees and a chilly low of 31 degrees. Friday: Clouds roll in with temperatures reaching a high of 59 degrees and a low around 33 degrees. Saturday: The clouds stick around, cooling things down to a high of 40 degrees and a low of 33. Sunday: A bit brighter with partly sunny skies; highs peak at 53 degrees, dipping to 35 at night. Monday: Partly cloudy with a high of 49 degrees and a low of 33. Tuesday: Similar conditions, partly sunny with the high again reaching 49 degrees, and the low at 31. Wednesday: Partly cloudy skies persist, bringing a high of 48 degrees and a low again touching 32. Hope that helps! Stay safe!