Chicago, IL – A colder and wetter pattern is taking shape across the Midwest as November transitions into December, with NOAA projecting increased storm activity and the potential for early-season snow across northern areas.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 are expected to run below normal across much of the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. The coldest anomalies appear focused across the Upper Midwest — especially Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan — where overnight temperatures may fall well below seasonal averages.
NOAA’s precipitation outlook also shows a broad swath of above-normal precipitation across the Midwest. This increases the likelihood of multiple storm systems sweeping through the region, bringing everything from cold rain to wet snow, depending on latitude and elevation.
Northern zones — including Minneapolis, Duluth, Green Bay, Marquette, and northern Iowa — stand the best chance for accumulating snow, particularly if colder air locks in during passing systems. Meanwhile, central and southern Midwest cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Des Moines, Detroit, and Milwaukee are more likely to see cold, soaking rain, with occasional mixed precipitation during overnight hours.
Forecasters emphasize that the pattern suggests several disturbances, not one major event, but the repeated storm setups could still lead to travel delays, slick conditions, and reduced visibility — especially on major routes like I-94, I-90, I-80, and I-35.
With holiday travel increasing and temperatures trending downward, Midwest residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and prepare for shifting rain-to-snow situations across the region.
