NWS Releases Minnesota Winter Forecast: What to Expect

The first freeze of the year in Minnesota usually happens around this time, which means a lot of us are starting to prep our homes for winter. Some people go all out, while others don't do much of anything. There are some very simple tasks, like clearing out those gutters, that will help you avoid massive headaches.

The National Weather Service in La Crosse just dropped its official Winter Outlook for our region, and it sounds pretty gross, but not for the reasons you’d think.

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If you're the type of person that wants to spend the winter months outside on your snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing this isn't good news for you.

NWS Releases Minnesota Winter Forecast: What to Expect

According to the NWS, we are going to experience above-normal temperatures because of a very strong El Niño setup in the Pacific Ocean.

I hate the brutal sub-zero temps, especially those awful weeks in January where the windchills make you want to cry, so I am definitely not mad about milder temps. But the trade-off is where things get a little gross.

A person in maroon corduroy pants walking through a slushy puddle in snow

ALSO READ: HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR MINNESOTA HOME

Strong El Niño patterns typically mean wet conditions.

But, a wetter winter does not automatically mean snow. Because temperatures are predicted to run warmer than usual, a lot of that moisture could easily come in the form of cold rain, freezing drizzle, or a messy slushy mix which is going to make winter travel a nightmare. Absolutely gross, right?

Forecasters will fine-tune the winter prediction next month when the Climate Prediction Center issues its next official update at 7:30 a.m. CDT on November 19, 2026. Until then, get those gutters cleaned out and keep the rain gear handy!