Tracking Two Storms Impacting the Northern U.S. Through Thanksgiving and into This Weekend

Heavy lake effect snow, gusty winds, and localized blizzard conditions will persist through Thanksgiving near and downwind of the Great Lakes. Rain and mountain snow are forecast for the Pacific Northwest. Confidence is increasing for another winter storm to develop over the northern and central Rockies Friday and track across the central Plains through the Midwest and Great Lakes this weekend. Read More >

November is typically a transition month in the Northland and this November was a perfect example of that. Record daily high temperatures in the 70s were recorded at all climate sites on November 2, and monthly all-time high temperatures were tied at Brainerd (75°F) and Hibbing (72°F). Temperatures then plummeted to around average for the middle part of the month, then a bit above average by the end the month. Both rainfall and snowfall were near or above average around the Northland. This has led to some relief in drought conditions, though some abnormally dry conditions and patches of moderate drought still persist, especially in northern Bayfield and Douglas counties in Wisconsin and western Cass County in Minnesota.

For December, the CPC is forecasting below average temperatures with equal chances for above or below normal precipitation. The CPC is forecasting below normal temperatures and above average precipitation for the December through February winter period. This forecast is consistent with the climatological pattern typically seen during a La Niña episode, which is currently occurring and is expected to continue through the winter. A transition toward ENSO neutral is projected going into spring and early summer 2023.