CHICAGO, Ill. – NOAA’s newly issued Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, paints a snowy and colder picture for much of the Midwest — boosting hopes for a white Christmas after several warmer years. The Climate Prediction Center’s guidance highlights above-normal precipitation across the Great Lakes and upper Midwest, paired with below-normal temperatures through early 2026.
According to NOAA forecasters, a strengthening La Niña is expected to steer the jet stream farther south, funneling moisture-laden storms into the Midwest and Great Lakes corridor. That pattern typically delivers more snow and ice from December through February, with the most persistent cold targeting Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. “We’re watching a setup favorable for multiple snow-producing systems this winter,” the agency said, noting that even Chicago and Des Moines could see several major snowfalls.
NOAA maps show strong signals for above-normal snowfall extending from eastern Iowa through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. With Arctic air frequently dipping south, the potential for blizzard conditions and lake-effect snow is higher than normal — especially along the I-94 and I-90 corridors. By late December, holiday travelers across the region could encounter hazardous road conditions, flight delays, and reduced visibility during key storm periods.
February 2026 may bring the season’s coldest stretch, followed by a gradual warmup in March. Still, forecasters caution that late-season snow is likely to persist into early spring. Residents are urged to prepare early — winterize vehicles, insulate pipes, and have backup heat sources ready before the first major outbreak.
