Green Bay, Wisconsin – Residents across Wisconsin are stepping into a sharper, more winter-like pattern this week as colder air, lake-effect moisture, and a developing storm system target the Green Bay region. Meteorologists warn that Saturday could bring a combination of accumulating snow, blowing wind, and dangerous black ice, posing a significant travel risk for thousands returning home after Thanksgiving.
Introduction
A stiff, biting wind swept across Green Bay early this week, lifting loose powder into swirling ribbons that coated rural roads in thin winter layers. Streetlights struggled through scattered flakes, hinting at the colder pattern settling over the region. With post-holiday travel in full swing, forecasters are urging drivers to prepare for deteriorating conditions beginning Saturday morning and lasting through Saturday night.
Saturday Storm System: What Travelers Should Expect
A developing weather system will pull colder air from the Upper Peninsula, combining it with lingering lake-effect moisture—a setup capable of producing heavier, more concentrated snow bands. According to early model guidance, the snow window remains open from early Saturday through late Saturday night, with conditions deteriorating rapidly as winds increase.
Areas north and west of Green Bay appear most vulnerable. The greatest concern centers on Brown, Oconto, and Shawano Counties, where forecasters expect accumulating snowfall and reduced visibility.
Key projected impacts include:
- Winds gusting 20–25 mph
- Blowing snow creating sudden whiteout pockets
- Black ice risk, especially on untreated surfaces
- Slick bridges and overpasses by midday
- Slowdowns along I-41 and Highway 29
As one meteorologist noted in early guidance:…