Great Lakes and Northeast Buried in Deep Snow While Midwest Shows Bare Ground in February, New ECMWF Map Reveals Stark Contrast

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A newly released ECMWF snow depth map valid Thursday, February 12, 2026, reveals a dramatic winter divide across the United States. While parts of the Great Lakes, Northeast, and southern Canada remain buried under deep snowpack, much of the Midwest — including large areas around Illinois — shows little to no snow on the ground despite it being mid-February.

The data, sourced from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and displayed via Pivotal Weather, highlights one of the more uneven winter patterns in recent memory.

Great Lakes and Northeast Sitting Under Deep Snowpack

According to the snow depth map, the heaviest accumulations stretch across Ontario, Quebec, upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and parts of Maine, where snow depths exceed 24 to 40 inches in many locations. Some pockets in southern Canada show even higher totals.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and areas around Lake Superior also remain solidly snow-covered, with widespread double-digit depths. Lake-effect snow events earlier this season helped build and maintain a healthy snowpack in these regions.

Even parts of western Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and interior New England continue to display significant coverage, reinforcing how active storm tracks have favored the northern tier of the country.

Midwest and Illinois Show Minimal Snow Cover

In sharp contrast, the map shows large sections of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and southern Michigan with little measurable snow depth. Much of central and northern Illinois appears largely snow-free, a surprising sight for mid-February.

Historically, February is often one of the snowiest months for Chicago and surrounding areas. However, the current winter pattern has frequently pushed major storm systems either north toward the Great Lakes snow belts or west toward the Rockies.

The result: Chicago and much of the Midwest are experiencing below-average snowpack, leaving open ground in many neighborhoods where snow cover would typically be present.

Rockies Continue to Hold Significant Mountain Snow

While the Midwest remains mostly bare, the Rocky Mountains tell a different story. Snow depth data shows substantial accumulation across the higher elevations of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho and Montana.

Mountain zones in western Colorado and northern Utah display strong snowpack signals, critical for both ski season and long-term water supply. Some higher elevations show deep snow consistent with seasonal averages or above.

The Pacific Northwest mountain ranges, including portions of Washington and Oregon, also show healthy snow totals, particularly in elevated terrain.

Why the Snow Pattern Looks So Uneven

Meteorologists point to a persistent storm track that has favored the northern United States and Canada, while keeping the central Midwest in a relative dry slot. Warmer-than-average periods between storm systems have also contributed to limited snow retention across states like Illinois.

Without prolonged cold air or repeated snowfall events, snow that does fall has struggled to accumulate or remain on the ground. This explains why much of Illinois appears largely snow-free on the February 12 map.

Meanwhile, regions closer to the Great Lakes and farther north have benefited from colder air masses and more consistent precipitation, allowing snowpack to build and persist.

What This Means for Chicago and the Region

For residents in Chicago, the lack of widespread snow cover in mid-February is notable. Snow on the ground often helps maintain colder surface temperatures and contributes to a more traditional winter feel.

The absence of deep snowpack can also influence late-winter temperature swings. Bare ground absorbs more sunlight, potentially allowing warmer daytime readings compared to snow-covered regions to the north.

Whether this pattern continues into late February and early March remains uncertain. Forecast models will determine if upcoming storm systems finally deliver more widespread snow to Illinois — or if the season continues its uneven trajectory.

As winter progresses, weather trends like these will remain critical for travel, outdoor events, and seasonal planning across the Midwest. For ongoing updates on regional weather patterns and how they may impact winter festivals and events, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.