Des Moines, IA – Snow is spreading east across the Midwest this morning in what meteorologists are calling the region’s first significant winter system of December. The storm, tracking out of the northern Plains, will bring heavy snow, gusty winds, and slick travel conditions from eastern Nebraska through Iowa, southern Minnesota, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin before tapering early Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories across the region — including northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin, where totals of 5 to 8 inches are likely. The heaviest band stretches from Mason City, Iowa to Madison, Wisconsin, with locally higher accumulations possible near the I-35 and I-80 corridors.
Snow will begin in western Iowa by late morning, spreading rapidly eastward through the afternoon and evening. Roads will become slick by sundown as temperatures hover near freezing, creating ideal conditions for packed snow and patches of black ice. Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution, and check 511 road updates before traveling tonight.
Across Chicago and northern Illinois, snow develops late this evening, continuing into early Sunday with 2–5 inches expected and a light glaze of ice possible south of I-80. Wisconsin’s snow begins after 8 p.m. and lingers through sunrise, with 3–6 inches common across the Milwaukee–Madison corridor.
Regional Outlook (Saturday–Wednesday):
- Saturday Night: Moderate to heavy snow, 3–8”. Slick travel.
- Sunday: Light snow tapers early. Cloudy, highs in the 30s.
- Monday–Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, highs 35–40°F, patchy flurries north.
- Wednesday: Cold and dry, highs near freezing, lows in the 20s.
This system marks the true start of the Midwest’s December snow season, with colder air and clipper systems lining up into next week (Dec. 11–17). Drivers and residents should prepare for more frequent snow chances and rapid freeze–thaw cycles that could lead to icy roads during early holiday travel.
Are you seeing snow yet in your area? Share your photos or road updates in the comments below.
