A reinforcing winter system is expected to bring widespread snow across the Upper Midwest on Thursday, stretching from North Dakota south and east through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and into northern Illinois. While snowfall amounts remain uncertain, confidence is increasing that snow-covered and slick roads will impact travel across a broad region.
Snow is expected to be ongoing or redeveloping early Thursday across North Dakota, including areas near Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, and Grand Forks, as colder air remains firmly in place. From there, snow will expand southeast into Minnesota, impacting the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro, as well as central and northern portions of the state through the day.
By Thursday morning into the afternoon, snow is expected to spread across Wisconsin and Iowa, including cities such as Eau Claire, Madison, Green Bay, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque. Snowfall rates may vary, but even light to moderate snow could create hazardous travel conditions, especially on untreated roads and during peak travel times.
Farther south, northern Illinois, including the Chicago metro area, may see snow develop or persist into Thursday, particularly north and west of Interstate 80. Any lingering moisture from earlier precipitation could refreeze as temperatures fall, allowing snow to accumulate more efficiently on road surfaces.
The primary concern is the breadth of the snow coverage rather than extreme snowfall totals. With colder air locked in, snow will stick, and gusty winds in open areas may lead to reduced visibility and drifting, especially across rural stretches of Interstates 29, 35, 39, 90, and 94.
Snow may gradually taper from west to east late Thursday night, but icy conditions could persist into Friday morning. Travelers across the Upper Midwest are urged to plan for winter driving conditions and monitor updates closely, as small changes in system timing could prolong snow impacts across the region.
