Midwest Weather Alert: First Snowfall and Major Cold Blast Expected Sunday and Monday
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Residents across the Midwest are preparing for the season’s first measurable snowfall and major cold blast, expected to arrive Sunday and continue into Monday, according to forecasters.
Meteorologists say a strong Arctic front will sweep across the region, bringing rapidly falling temperatures, gusty winds, and the first snowflakes of the season from the Dakotas to the Great Lakes.
First Snow of the Season for Chicago and Surrounding States
The weather system will push cold air through the upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic beginning Sunday. A swath of light to moderate snow is expected along the front — stretching from South Dakota through Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and Michigan, before moving into parts of Indiana and Ohio.
By Sunday night, areas around Chicago and northern Illinois could see their first light snow accumulation of the season, particularly on grassy surfaces. Roads are expected to remain mostly wet, though slick conditions are possible early Monday.
Freezing Temperatures and Strong Winds
Behind the front, temperatures will tumble rapidly.
- Illinois and Wisconsin: Overnight lows in the upper 20s to low 30s.
- Iowa and Minnesota: Single-digit wind chills possible by early Monday.
- Oklahoma and North Texas: Temperatures dropping into the 40s with freezing wind chills Monday morning.
- Southeast U.S.: First freeze of the season expected, with Florida forecast to see temperatures in the 30s.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service note that the cold front will continue to move south through early next week, spreading its chill deep into the Southern Plains and parts of the Southeast.
A Typical November Cold Blast
Experts say the event is part of a seasonal transition common for early November, though the sudden drop in temperatures will feel especially sharp after a relatively mild fall.
“This is the first true Arctic air mass of the season,” forecasters said. “It’s right on schedule for early November but will certainly feel like winter’s first wake-up call.”
What Residents Should Do
Residents across the Midwest are advised to:
- Dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure during wind gusts.
- Protect outdoor plants and plumbing from freezing.
- Check local travel conditions as roads may become slick in the northern states.
The front’s impact is expected to last through midweek before conditions gradually moderate.
For Chicago-area residents, the brief burst of snow and cold marks the official start of winter weather season — and a reminder that lake-effect flurries and icy mornings are just around the corner.
Stay updated on the latest weather alerts and forecasts at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.