Arctic Blast Could Bring First Snow To These Cities This Week

A blast of Arctic air is poised to sweep into the Midwest early this week, bringing temperatures to their lowest levels of the season and giving millions of Americans a preview of what could be a relatively harsh winter. Meteorological models from the National Weather Service show overnight lows plunging well below freezing across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana between over the next several days, with several cities forecast to see their first measurable snowfall of the season.

Lake-effect flurries are possible along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where cold, dry air moving over warmer lake waters could generate narrow snow bands. While accumulations are expected to remain light – generally under an inch – temperatures could fall to the low 20s overnight. A closer look at the data reveals the cities that could see snow this week.

To identify the cities that could see snow this week, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed forecast data from the NOAA’s National Digital Forecast Database. Cities were ranked based on total forecast cumulative snowfall for the period November 10 to 12, 2025. Only cities with at least 40,000 residents were considered.

10. Waukegan, Illinois

Perched on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Waukegan could see lows near 24°F this week. The forecast also calls for about 0.8 cm of snow, likely a mix of flurries and lake-effect showers. With nearly 90,000 residents, Waukegan’s proximity to the lake means it will feel both colder and snowier than points farther inland.

9. Tinley Park, Illinois

A fast-growing suburb southwest of Chicago, Tinley Park is expected to dip to 23°F, with 0.8 cm of snow possible as a weak band passes through Monday night. The cold snap will be a stark contrast to last week’s highs in the 60s, marking the start of a winter pattern that could linger into mid-November.

8. Cicero, Illinois

Cicero shows lows near 26°F and a light dusting of snow. The town’s 84,000 residents could wake up to frosty rooftops and icy windshields by Tuesday morning.

7. Oak Park, Illinois

Bordering Chicago’s West Side, Oak Park is expected to bottom out around 26°F, with a trace to 0.8 cm of snow possible overnight Monday. The chill will likely end the area’s lingering fall foliage, leaving the historic village’s tree-lined streets looking more wintry than autumnal.

6. Glenview, Illinois

North of the city, Glenview is forecast to see lows near 25°F and under 1 cm of snow, largely from lake-effect flurries. 

5. Chicago, Illinois

The city of Chicago could see temperatures dip to 26°F, with about 1 cm of snow possible. The cold air moving over Lake Michigan could trigger brief snow showers across the North Side, marking one of the earliest measurable snow events of the season.

4. Skokie, Illinois

Just north of Chicago, Skokie may see similar conditions, with lows near 26°F and around 1 cm of snow expected. The village’s location near the lake makes it especially susceptible to lake-effect activity.

3. Evanston, Illinois

Home to Northwestern University, Evanston sits directly on the lakefront and is forecast to reach 27°F with just over 1 cm of snow possible. Flurries could fall as early as Monday afternoon, coating campus lawns before quickly melting by midday Tuesday.

2. Hammond, Indiana

Across the state line, Hammond is forecast for a low near 24°F and up to 1.2 cm of snow. The combination of lake-effect moisture and cold northwest winds will make it feel like winter’s arrival, particularly near the I-90 corridor where commuters may encounter icy patches.

1. Gary, Indiana

Gary is expected to reach a low of 25°F with roughly 1.25 cm of snow. The city’s location directly downwind of Lake Michigan makes it ground zero for the season’s first lake-effect snow event. Residents can expect slick roads, strong gusts off the lake, and a wintry start to the week ahead.