Will the Midwest and Northeast See Snow in October?

Posted: October 16, 2022 9:41 am

Winter could be coming a little early this year as forecasters continue to predict cold fronts across the Midwest and Northeast. A large cold front traveling through the Midwest could bring the first snowfall of the season over the weekend and possibly reach the Northeast by next week.

Cold Fronts across the Midwest and Northeast

Several areas across the United States are starting to transition from fall to winter weather patterns. This week brought much lower temperatures than the previous week. As the cold weather touched the northern Plains last Wednesday, Minnesota and North Dakota began to see small amounts of snow. Areas such as Duluth, Minnesota reported up to three inches of snow.

In addition to the chilly weather, the cold fronts brought wet snow showers and light rain. AccuWeather RealFeel temperatures are expected to continue to drop, reaching lows that typically aren’t seen until late November, as early as Saturday October 15. The forecast currently predicts temperatures between the teens and lower 30s depending on the area.

These Midwest cold fronts aren’t just affecting the United States; the cooler weather is beginning to pour into southern Canada. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly as the cold fronts travel across the Great Lakes.

The Start of Winter 2022

While some areas are only expected to see a few snowflakes here and there, other areas could be hit a little harder. Wisconsin and Michigan, for example, could see several inches of lake effect snow. Between Sunday night and Tuesday, roads could become slippery from ice or see piles of slush as the snow begins to melt. This trend could continue farther southeastward, eventually effecting the Northeast.

After this cold front passes, temperatures may begin to rise again in the Midwest. While the temperature may be slightly warmer than the previous week, it will likely still be below-normal. This could cause additional flurries and snow showers.

Why is the Weather Getting Colder?

There are several potential causes for the Midwest cold fronts. Cold air could be caused by storm systems moving through southern Canada. This creates lower pressure than the Great Lakes is used to seeing. Lower pressure can affect how rain and snow is produced.

When Will New England See Snow This October?

While the cold fronts are expected to bring some cold air and light snow to parts of the Northeast, some experts say New England may not see snow just yet. It’s very early in the season and major cities like Boston and Baltimore don’t typically see snowfall in mid-October. In the Midwest, early snowfalls are a bit more common.

While snow may not be in the cards for northern cities, it’s possible the cold weather could bring snow to the Appalachians, Adirondacks, and the Allegheny Plateau areas. Snow could also fall in other mountain ranges across West Virginia and Maryland.

Before you plan a day of sledding or skiing, keep in mind that most areas will see more rain than snow. In other areas, the rain could be mixed with snow, creating icy surfaces. Some areas may see slightly higher temperatures, especially in areas with low elevation. These warmer areas could see temperatures into the 40s, while the more mountainous areas could stay in the mid to upper 30s.

While several areas are expected to warm up a bit after this initial cold front, the lower-than-normal temperatures could indicate the beginning of an early winter season.

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