Madison, WI – Travelers across Wisconsin may face a wet and potentially snowy stretch during the Thanksgiving holiday window, as new long-range federal outlooks show above-normal precipitation statewide from November 23 through November 29.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook released Saturday, Wisconsin is firmly positioned within a 40–50% probability zone for above-normal precipitation. The state also sits close to a broader cold-air pool forming over the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, a combination that often increases the likelihood of early-season snowfall.
Northern regions, including Eau Claire and the Northwoods, appear most primed for wintry precipitation if colder temperatures settle in. Central and eastern areas—from Madison to Milwaukee and Green Bay—remain in the same elevated precipitation zone, with temperatures hovering near levels where systems could bring rain, wet snow, or a mix depending on timing.
Late November storms affecting the Upper Midwest frequently align with travel slowdowns along major Wisconsin routes, including I-94, I-90, and US-41. Even brief periods of snow or slushy conditions can affect road speeds, especially during peak holiday departure days.
Air travel may also be impacted if systems pass close enough to major regional hubs. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and regional airports in Appleton and Madison often see disruptions when early-season mixed precipitation moves through.
Forecasters stress that while confidence is rising in a wetter pattern, it remains too early to lock in snow amounts or storm timing. Those details will become clearer as short-range models begin capturing individual weather systems next week.
Travelers planning trips across Wisconsin or into neighboring Minnesota, Illinois, or Michigan should monitor forecast updates throughout the week.
