ILLINOIS — A more active late-February weather pattern is shaping up across the Great Lakes and Midwest, with forecast messaging signaling multiple precipitation chances from Feb. 23 through Feb. 28, 2026. The broad setup includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, where several systems may move through in quick succession, keeping snow, rain, and mixed precipitation all in play.
While it remains too early to determine exact snowfall totals or pinpoint the strongest system, the overall signal is clear: the region is heading into a stretch of unsettled weather as the month winds down.
What an “Active Weather Pattern” Means for the Region
An active pattern typically involves repeated low-pressure systems tracking across the Midwest and Great Lakes. Instead of a quiet, stable stretch, communities may see precipitation every day or two as disturbances pass through.
For the states highlighted — Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio — that can translate into frequent changes in road conditions, fluctuating visibility, and quick temperature swings. Even small variations in storm track can shift the heaviest precipitation north or south.
Snow, Rain and Mix All on the Table
Late February systems often bring competing air masses. If milder air arrives first, precipitation can begin as rain before colder air wraps in and changes it to snow. In other cases, areas closer to Lake Michigan or farther north may remain cold enough for snow while southern counties see a mix…