Minnesota’s First Snowfall Is Closer Than You Think

Minnesota snowplow crews could be in for a busy winter. NOAA is predicting a chance of above-average precipitation, and the Farmers' Almanac is calling this winter a “wild ride,” which means plow crews may spend a lot of time on area roads clearing snow and spreading salt.

Now is a great time to pull your snowblower out of storage and make sure it’s running. Winter is on the way, and you’ll want to be ready to clear your own sidewalks and driveways.

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What To Expect This Winter in Minnesota?

Both the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmer's Almanac have been forecasting weather for years, and each claims a high accuracy rate. They both released their winter outlooks for Minnesota back in August.

The Farmers' Almanac predicts a “wild ride” for Minnesota, describing the state as a “winter wonderland” this season. On the other hand, the Old Farmer's Almanac is forecasting a mild and dry winter for the region.

NOAA's forecast falls somewhere in the middle. They expect temperatures to fluctuate throughout the season, with the overall average slightly below normal. They also see a chance of above-average precipitation, but that won’t always come as snow, especially with temperatures going up and down.

Snow Before Halloween in Minnesota?

There’s no snow in the immediate forecast, despite the Old Farmer's Almanac suggesting we might see some around Halloween. That doesn’t look likely, and hopefully it holds off, because trick-or-treating is a lot less fun in crummy weather.

After a long summer and a pleasant fall, temperatures have dropped quickly — and the worst is likely still ahead. Many Minnesotans are using this time to winterize their homes and prepare for the snow and cold.

READ: If You Live in Minnesota, You Need to Do This Before the First Hard Freeze