This December, the Midwest experiences a quilt of weather conditions–from serene snowfalls to sunny skies. Follow meteorologist Amy Freeze as she guides us through the regional forecasts.

Join Amy Freeze as she unpacks the varied weather patterns this December across the Midwest. From light snowfalls in Cleveland to the warm breezes in Kansas City, discover how these conditions affect daily life and travel. Get the full 7-day forecast and tips for navigating the seasonal shifts in our comprehensive blog post.
Across the Midwest on this 4th of December 2025, the regional radar is lighting up with a variety of weather conditions. In the northeast part of the region, Cleveland is experiencing light to moderate snowfall as a system sweeps across that area. Detroit and Fort Wayne are seeing moderate snow showers which could lead to some slippery conditions on the roads. Moving farther west, the area around Chicago remains dry with cloudy skies, offering a break from the precipitation. Peoria and areas around Indianapolis to Louisville are staying clear without any active weather right now, perfect to enjoy the day outdoors. Meanwhile, farther east near Saginaw, Michigan, a band of snow showers is also making its presence felt, bringing a touch of winter to the area. The snow bands near Columbus will need monitoring as they have potential to intensify throughout the day. As for more southern locales like Bowling Green and Charleston, calmer weather prevails, letting residents enjoy the crisp early December air without concerns for precipitation. This calmer pattern extends to Des Moines and St. Louis, where dry conditions are the story for today. In the northern reaches, eastern Wisconsin should watch for snow flurries as systems move toward Lake Michigan, potentially impacting Green Bay. Overall, while some neighborhoods are dealing with wintry conditions, the Midwest largely enjoys settled weather, beneficial for holiday travel and activities.
For this evening in Chicago, expect mostly cloudy skies with a steady temperature trend at 50 degrees from 8 PM through midnight. Winds will start from the southeast at 8 PM at 8 miles per hour, shifting slightly to the south at 7 miles per hour by midnight.
Tonight in the Midwest, Peoria cools down to 56. Indianapolis is forecasted to reach 57 degrees. In the northern parts of the region, Fort Wayne can expect a low of 49 degrees. Saginaw and Detroit are at 45 degrees, providing a chilly end to the day. Further south, Louisville will be slightly warmer at 60 degrees, while Kansas City cools to 55.
Tomorrow’s weather in the Midwest shows a significant warm-up with many areas experiencing above-average temperatures. Kansas City leads the pack with a high of 90 degrees, significantly warmer than typical for this time of year. St. Louis is also feeling the heat, reaching 87 degrees, while Peoria expects a high of 74 degrees. Indianapolis will see a more moderate high of 64 degrees, trailing behind some of its neighboring cities. Chicago can look forward to a pleasant day with highs around 63 degrees. Meanwhile, Louisville registers at 69 degrees, and Bowling Green reaches 74 degrees. Notable temperature trends indicate a push of warm air from the south, influencing these higher readings across the region. The overall pattern reflects a welcome change from the cooler temperatures experienced in recent weeks, making it a beautiful day ahead in the Midwest.
An active weather pattern emerges for the Midwest as a cold front approaches from the west. In Kansas City, expect rain showers late Saturday evening, transitioning to more widespread, heavier bouts as the front moves eastward. Chicago faces a rainy Saturday night with temperatures dropping about 10 degrees into Sunday, ushering in cooler conditions. Indianapolis and Louisville should brace for rain from early Saturday, persisting into Sunday morning. Pay attention to potential thunderstorms, particularly from Des Moines to St. Louis, with localized heavy rain and possible strong winds.
The UV index in Chicago is moderate on Saturday with a level of 6. Expect sun exposure risks to increase, with a burn time of about 23 minutes if you’re unprotected. On Sunday, the UV index decreases to 4, offering a longer burn time of around 35 minutes.
For the 7-day forecast in Chicago: Saturday: Cloudy with a high of 60 degrees and a low of 48 degrees. Sunday: Clouds clearing early, leading to sunshine; temperatures rise to 64 degrees, dropping to 53 at night. Monday: Mostly cloudy with a high of 60 degrees and a nighttime low of 42 degrees. Tuesday: Partly cloudy skies and a bit cooler, expect a high of 54 degrees with a low of 38. Wednesday: Another partly cloudy day, reaching a high of 53 degrees with a low of 43. Thursday: Showers arrive with temperatures climbing to 67 degrees and dipping to 54 at night. Friday: Thunderstorms are likely early in the day, then clearing with a high of 65 degrees and a low of 44.