ILLINOIS — Valentine’s Day weekend weather across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio is shaping up to be highly uncertain as forecasters monitor a late-week storm system whose exact track could determine whether the region sees heavy rain and thunderstorms or a colder wintry mix. A noticeable overnight shift in the European weather model has added to the uncertainty, highlighting how sensitive the setup remains.
Meteorologists say the pattern supports rapid changes, beginning with a warm surge before colder air attempts to rush back into the region.
Warm-Up Expected Before a Sharp Late-Week Cooldown
Forecast guidance shows temperatures rising first across much of the central and eastern U.S., with some areas potentially reaching the 60s and even 70s ahead of the storm. That warmth is expected early to midweek, ahead of a strong cold front.
By Thursday into Friday, colder air is expected to push southward, setting up a narrow timing window that will determine how Valentine’s Day weekend unfolds.
Storm Track Will Decide Rain Versus Wintry Mix
Forecasters emphasize that the track of the low-pressure system is the deciding factor…