Chicago, IL — Winter’s first touch may arrive this weekend across parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States, with bands of lake-effect snow expected to blanket sections of the Great Lakes and northern New England. Forecasters warn that while most areas will only see light accumulation, travel could become slippery in snowbelt regions as temperatures plunge overnight.
According to meteorologists, this early-season snowfall is being triggered by a potent but brief cold outbreak sweeping across the Midwest, South, and East.
Snow Timing and Areas Affected
Forecasters say the first flakes will begin to fall as early as Friday night in the Dakotas and Montana, before spreading eastward through the weekend.
- Friday night: Snow begins in parts of the Dakotas and Montana.
- Saturday: Expands into southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
- Saturday night – early Sunday: Wet snow possible from eastern Iowa through the western Great Lakes, including Chicagoland, Milwaukee, Detroit, and northern Indiana.
- Sunday: Lake-effect snowbands develop around the Great Lakes, later spreading into northern Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and western New York.
- Monday – Tuesday: Snow continues across upstate New York, northern New England, and the Appalachians before tapering off.
“This snowy forecast is all because of a potent, but brief, cold outbreak that will dive through the Midwest, South, and East,” the forecast explained.
According to AOL News, snowfall could range from light flurries to several inches depending on location, elevation, and the intensity of lake-effect bands.
Travel Concerns and Road Conditions
While most accumulations will be light — generally an inch or less — even small amounts of snow could create hazardous travel conditions during overnight hours. Roads may remain wet during the day as snow melts on warm pavement, but slick spots are likely to form at night when temperatures dip below freezing.
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads will be the first to freeze. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and allow extra travel time, especially in areas prone to lake-effect snow.
“That could be enough to make roads slushy and slippery, especially at night, by late Sunday into Monday,” forecasters said. “Keep this in mind for your Monday and Tuesday commutes.”
Where to Expect the Heaviest Snow
The Great Lakes snowbelts — stretching from Michigan into northern Indiana, Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and southwest New York — are expected to see the heaviest accumulations through early next week.
Additionally, higher elevations across upstate New York and northern New England could receive several inches of snow, with some localized areas potentially topping 6 inches.
“Lake-effect snow may continue before tapering off from west to east, with lingering flurries across the Adirondacks and northern Appalachians,” meteorologists noted.
How Early Is This First Snow?
While this system marks the first measurable snow of the season for many areas, it’s not entirely unusual for November.
According to NOAA’s 30-year climate averages:
- Buffalo typically sees its first snow by Nov. 8.
- Chicago averages its first measurable snowfall by Nov. 18.
- Detroit usually sees snow by Nov. 19.
However, in some regions like Bismarck, North Dakota, this snowfall is considered slightly late. That area typically records its first measurable snow by Oct. 28 and is already 3 to 4 inches behind average for the season.
Preparing for the Cold Shift
Meteorologists say temperatures will drop sharply behind the front, ushering in below-average readings across much of the Midwest and East. Residents are advised to check heating systems, clear gutters, and prepare vehicles for the winter months ahead.
What are your thoughts on this early arrival of winter weather? Are you ready for the season’s first snow? Share your views in the comments below.
