This blog post summarizes a developing cold snap that will deliver the first widespread snowfall of the season to 13 northern U.S. states this weekend and into early next week. It explains where snow and frost are most likely, why lake-effect snow can produce localized hazardous conditions, and what residents should do to prepare for rapidly changing winter weather.
Overview: a sharp shift from autumn to winter
The incoming surge of cold air represents a notable transition from mild autumn weather to conditions more typical of December. Temperatures are forecast to drop across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast.
Snow will develop first in the northern Midwest and then spread eastward.
Timing and general impacts
Snow is expected to begin in the northern Midwest—particularly Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It will then drift east into New York, Pennsylvania, and New England.
Chicago and Detroit may see light accumulations Saturday night into Sunday. The Great Lakes region is vulnerable to lake-effect snow that can create sudden, localized whiteouts and hazardous driving conditions.
Meteorologists are also watching for a potential second round of Great Lakes snow by mid-next week.
Where the snow is most likely
AccuWeather identifies 13 states at highest risk for the season’s first widespread snowfall. The axis of impact spans the northern Plains through the Great Lakes and into New England.
Additional flurries could reach neighboring states by Sunday night.
States most likely to see snow this weekend:
There is also the possibility of light flurries in parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts by Sunday night. In the Southeast, the cold air could produce the first frost or freeze of the season as far south as northern Florida.
This has implications for sensitive plants and agriculture.
Why lake-effect snow matters
Lake-effect snow occurs when very cold air moves over warmer lake waters, picking up moisture and heat that then condenses into narrow but intense bands of snow downwind of the lakes. These bands can drop several inches per hour in localized corridors.
This makes roads instantly treacherous and allows snow to accumulate rapidly in some communities while nearby areas remain relatively dry.
Practical preparedness advice
With a fast transition to wintry conditions, residents and travelers should take practical steps now to reduce risk and inconvenience. The key is readiness: know your local forecast and prepare both home and vehicle.
Immediate actions to consider:
Looking ahead
Forecasters note the pattern could produce additional snow over the Great Lakes by mid-next week. This weekend may be the first of several cold events.
Residents across the affected states should prepare for a colder-than-average stretch. Plan for potential impacts to travel, agriculture, and outdoor activities.
As an experienced meteorologist, I recommend staying informed through trusted sources. Treat the onset of autumn snow as an early reminder to winterize homes, vehicles, and routines.
Here is the source article for this story: Map shows where snow will fall this weekend for 13 states