CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Weather models are showing growing confidence in a significant snowfall event expected to impact the upper Midwest and western Great Lakes this weekend. Forecast guidance indicates a foot to a foot and a half of snow could fall between Des Moines, Chicago, and Madison on Saturday, raising concerns about hazardous travel and potential disruptions.
High-resolution data points to a concentrated corridor of heavy snow forming across this stretch, where colder air and sufficient moisture will overlap to produce sustained, intense snowfall rates.
Forecast Overview
Meteorologists describe the current model runs as “bullish,” signaling that the system is likely to deliver widespread heavy snow through Saturday. The heaviest accumulation is expected within the central corridor highlighted on current maps — covering portions of eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin.
“Guidance is showing a foot to a foot and a half of snow for these areas,” weather analysts said, adding that even small forecast adjustments could influence where the most snow falls.
Areas Expected to Be Most Affected
The snow band appears to stretch from Des Moines, Iowa, through northern and central Illinois, and into southern Wisconsin, particularly near Madison…