MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — The Upper Midwest is gearing up for a classic La Niña winter as cold Arctic air and frequent snow systems prepare to dominate Minnesota and Wisconsin through early 2026, according to new outlooks from the National Weather Service Twin Cities.
Frequent Arctic Blasts and Persistent Chill
Forecasters say a strong polar jet stream will dip south repeatedly, funneling Arctic air masses across the Great Lakes and northern Plains. The result will be more frequent cold snaps and wind chills below zero, especially from late December through February.
“This setup is textbook La Niña,” forecasters said. “We’ll likely see long stretches of subfreezing temperatures, punctuated by quick warmups and heavy snow bands along the Great Lakes.”
Lake-Effect Snow and Slippery Travel
Areas near Lake Superior — including Duluth, Ashland, and Superior — could experience enhanced lake-effect snowfall, particularly when cold air crosses open water in January.
The National Weather Service warns that heavy snow bursts could reduce visibility along U.S. Highway 2, I-35, and I-94, with road conditions deteriorating quickly during whiteouts…