Minneapolis, MN – A sharp push of colder air and an active storm track are setting up over the Upper Midwest as November ends and December begins, with a strong likelihood of below-freezing temperatures and accumulating snow in some areas.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 are expected to run well below normal across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and northern Iowa. This region shows one of the strongest cold anomalies in the country, with overnight lows dropping into the teens and 20s in many areas — cold enough to support early-season snow with any passing storm systems.
The precipitation outlook also favors a broad zone of above-normal moisture, centered directly over the Upper Midwest. This pattern suggests multiple disturbances may move through the region next week, increasing the likelihood of periods of snow, wintry mix, or cold rain, depending on the exact track and timing of each system.
Northern zones — including Duluth, Marquette, Fargo, Bismarck, and the Iron Range — stand the best chance for accumulating snow, with lake-enhanced snow possible near Lake Superior if colder air flows in behind departing systems. Meanwhile, cities farther south such as Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Green Bay, Madison, and Des Moines may see a mix of cold rain and wet snow, particularly during the overnight hours.
Forecasters stress that while no single major storm is pinpointed at this range, the setup favors recurring disturbances that could create travel delays, slick roads, and reduced visibility on major routes including I-94, I-90, and I-35.
Residents across the Upper Midwest should prepare for a colder, more wintry start to December and follow updated local forecasts as conditions evolve.
