Chicago, IL – The Midwest is gearing up for a widespread and impactful stretch of winter weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing below-normal temperatures across Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, near-normal temperatures in northern Illinois, and above-normal precipitation regionwide. This pattern strongly favors accumulating snow, pockets of mixed precipitation, and the potential for hazardous Christmas travel conditions.
According to NOAA, Minnesota sits squarely in the coldest part of the pattern. Temperatures remain below freezing throughout the period, ensuring that all incoming systems will fall mainly as snow, with multiple rounds expected from December 19–23. Some areas may experience moderate to heavy snowfall, especially across the Iron Range and Twin Cities corridor, where visibility and travel may be significantly reduced.
Wisconsin is positioned for widespread winter impacts. Northern regions—from Wausau to Ashland to Superior—may see steady system snow and lake-effect enhancement at times. Central and southern Wisconsin, including Madison and Milwaukee, could experience snow-to-mix transitions, with slick conditions likely during morning and evening commutes.
In northern Illinois, including Chicago, Rockford, and the I-90 corridor, temperatures hover near freezing early in the period. This supports snow and mixed precipitation, especially from December 19–21, followed by colder air that may push later precipitation back toward wet snow from December 22–24.
Major Midwest travel routes—including I-90, I-94, I-35, I-39, and I-55—may face snow-covered roads, drifting snow, icy bridges, and reduced visibility, particularly between December 21 and Christmas Eve.
