Snowy, Very Cold and Windy from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes; Critical Fire Weather in South Texas

Moderate to heavy lake effect snow is expected downwind of the Great Lakes, with the Chicago metro potentially receiving 6 to 12 inches of snowfall. A frigid airmass will bring very cold temperatures to the Central U.S. and Mississippi Valley today, migrating into the Eastern U.S. on Monday. Dry and windy weather will bring critical fire weather conditions to South Texas today. Read More >

September featured pretty widespread warmer than average temperatures and below average rainfall. Few records were broken this month, though a record high low temperature was set at Brainerd and a couple daily rainfall records were set. The warm and dry conditions have resulted in expanded drought conditions, with pockets of moderate to extreme drought across portions of northwest Wisconsin along the South Shore, inching into Carlton and Pine counties. Abnormally dry conditions have spread into parts of northeast Minnesota as well. Many rivers and streams are running below normal across northwest Wisconsin.

Above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation are likely to persist across the region through October, as is forecasted by the Climate Prediction Center. Chances are equal for above or below normal temperatures and precipitation through December. Areas that are currently experiencing drought will likely see conditions persist for the foreseeable future.