Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Could See Final Snow Push Before Christmas as Weak Clippers Pass Through
MINNESOTA — A series of weak Alberta clipper systems is expected to bring a final opportunity for accumulating snow before Christmas, primarily impacting areas north of Interstate 94, while regions farther south remain largely rain-dominated with unseasonably mild temperatures.
Forecast maps and guidance show light but meaningful snowfall totals developing across northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan through Monday night, before warmer air pushes in ahead of the holiday.
Where Snow Accumulation Is Most Likely
Based on the snowfall outlook and modeled totals, the highest confidence for accumulating snow is focused in:
- Northern Minnesota, including areas near and north of Duluth
- Northern Wisconsin, especially closer to Lake Superior
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where colder air remains locked in
These areas could see several inches of snow, enough to refresh snow cover and create a brief winter landscape heading into Christmas week.
Snowfall amounts decrease sharply farther south, with little to no accumulation expected south of I-94, including much of southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and southern Michigan.
Why This Snow Window Is Limited
The clipper systems shown in the data are fast-moving and relatively weak, limiting how much moisture they can produce. However, their timing ahead of incoming warmer air allows colder northern regions to briefly remain supportive of snow.
Once these systems pass, milder air spreads northward, effectively shutting down additional snow chances and transitioning many areas to rain.
South of I-94: Mild and Mostly Snow-Free
For areas south of the snow corridor, including much of Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and lower Michigan, precipitation is expected to fall mainly as rain, with snow becoming increasingly hard to come by through Christmas Day.
Temperatures in these regions may climb well above normal, with highs approaching or exceeding near-60°F readings, making this one of the milder Christmas periods in recent years.
What This Means for Christmas Week
- North of I-94: Brief return to wintry conditions with light accumulation
- South of I-94: Mild, wet pattern with little chance for snow
- Overall: This appears to be the final meaningful snow opportunity for many northern areas before warmer air dominates
Forecast confidence remains moderate, as weak clipper systems can still shift slightly, but the current data consistently favors northern states for snow, with little impact farther south.
Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continued weather updates as Christmas week approaches, including any changes to snowfall placement or temperature trends that could affect holiday travel and outdoor plans.