Arctic Air to Grip Midwest and Great Lakes as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan Face Multiple Rounds of Snow Through the Weekend

INDIANA — A strong Arctic air mass is expected to settle across the Midwest and Great Lakes beginning Thursday, bringing below-normal temperatures and multiple chances for accumulating snowfall from midweek into the weekend, according to the latest forecast guidance.

Weather models indicate the cold air will arrive late Wednesday night, with the first round of snow developing Wednesday night into Thursday, followed by additional snow potential early this weekend as the Arctic air remains locked in place.

Arctic Air Mass Sets Up a Prolonged Cold Pattern

Forecast data shows a deep surge of Arctic air dropping south from Canada and spreading across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan by Thursday. Once established, this cold pattern is expected to persist through at least Sunday, keeping daytime highs suppressed and nighttime temperatures well below seasonal averages.

The western United States is forecast to remain under warmer high pressure, while the central and eastern U.S. stays trapped beneath the colder regime — a setup that favors repeated winter systems.

First Snow Round Expected Wednesday Night Into Thursday

The initial snow threat is tied to a disturbance moving into the region Wednesday night into early Thursday. As colder air deepens near the surface, precipitation is expected to transition to snow, with accumulating snowfall possible in several areas, especially where temperatures fall quickly.

Because Arctic air often sharpens temperature gradients, snowfall amounts could vary significantly over short distances, making local impacts difficult to pin down at this stage.

Second Snow Chance Possible This Weekend

Forecast guidance also suggests a second wave of snowfall could arrive early this weekend, riding along the southern edge of the Arctic air mass. While confidence in exact timing and totals remains low, the overall pattern supports additional accumulating snow, particularly across parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes.

Forecasters caution that small shifts in storm track or temperature profiles could dramatically change who sees snow versus lighter impacts.

Travel Impacts and Cold-Weather Concerns

With temperatures remaining well below normal, even light snowfall could lead to slick roads and hazardous travel, especially overnight and during early morning hours. The prolonged cold may also allow snow and ice to linger longer on untreated surfaces.

Residents are urged to prepare for winter driving conditions, monitor forecast updates, and allow extra travel time during periods of snow.

Forecast Confidence and What to Watch Next

While confidence is high in the arrival and persistence of Arctic cold, confidence in specific snow totals and locations remains moderate to low. Higher-resolution models over the next 24–48 hours should help refine snowfall forecasts and identify areas most likely to see impactful accumulations.

More updates are expected as the situation evolves.

For continued coverage of this developing winter pattern, follow updates on WaldronNews.com, where we’ll keep tracking the cold, snow chances, and potential impacts across the region.