As of December 12, 2025, the snow weather forecast across the United States shows widespread wintry conditions stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast. Meteorologists are tracking several active storm systems, each expected to bring varying amounts of snow, cold air, and travel delays through the upcoming weekend.
This latest round of winter weather marks one of the most active patterns of the season so far, with snow totals increasing daily in multiple regions. Below is a detailed look at the current situation, regional breakdowns, and what Americans should prepare for in the coming week.
National Overview: A Surge of Arctic Air and Active Storm Tracks
A powerful Arctic cold front sweeping through the U.S. has triggered widespread snow and below-average temperatures across much of the country. The system began forming earlier this week in western Canada and has since moved south and east, colliding with warm, moist air along the Great Lakes and the East Coast.
The combination of these air masses has produced significant snowfall, particularly across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast, where temperatures remain well below freezing.
Current conditions include:
- Heavy snow bands over the Great Lakes producing localized totals above 12 inches.
- Sustained winds of 20–30 mph in northern states, creating blowing and drifting snow.
- Temperatures plunging into the single digits across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains.
- Freezing rain in some southern areas transitioning to sleet as colder air deepens.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories for more than 20 states, urging travelers to plan ahead and prepare for hazardous conditions.
The Midwest: Major Snowfall and Dangerous Wind Chills
The Midwest is bearing the brunt of the current system, with widespread snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures.
Snow Totals and Conditions (as of Friday Morning)
- Minnesota: Minneapolis and surrounding areas have reported between 6–9 inches, with more on the way.
- Wisconsin: Madison and Milwaukee have seen up to 10 inches, with strong winds creating whiteout conditions.
- Illinois: Northern portions, including the Chicago area, are seeing 3–6 inches, while southern areas remain mostly rain.
- Michigan: Western Michigan is experiencing lake-effect snow, with localized totals exceeding 12 inches.
The coldest air of the season is expected to settle in this weekend, pushing wind chills down to -10°F to -20°F in some northern zones.
Major highways — including I-90, I-94, and I-35 — are seeing slow travel and periodic closures due to drifting snow. Officials continue to advise residents to stay off roads during peak snow hours and to carry emergency kits when driving.
The Northeast: Heavy Snow and a Developing Coastal System
The Northeast snow weather forecast shows an intensifying coastal storm forming off the Mid-Atlantic and moving northward Friday night into Saturday. This system could deliver significant snowfall for inland regions and moderate accumulations near the coast.
Expected Snowfall by Region
- Upstate New York: Between 6–10 inches, especially near Albany, Syracuse, and the Adirondacks.
- Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine: 8–12 inches possible in higher elevations, with heavy snow bands expected Saturday morning.
- Massachusetts and Connecticut: 3–6 inches in interior areas, less toward the coast.
- New Jersey and Pennsylvania: Light to moderate snow, with totals between 1–3 inches south of Philadelphia.
Coastal areas, including Boston and Providence, could see a wintry mix as temperatures hover near freezing. Strong winds of 30–40 mph along the shoreline may create coastal flooding and blowing snow.
The storm is expected to exit by late Sunday, followed by a stretch of cold, clear weather into early next week.
The South: Rain Mixing with Sleet and Ice
While the Southern U.S. is largely avoiding heavy snow, colder air trailing behind the front is creating wintry precipitation in parts of the Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians.
Current Conditions and Impacts
- Tennessee and Northern Alabama: Rain transitioning to sleet and light snow in elevated areas.
- North Carolina and Northern Georgia: A chance of freezing drizzle and frost overnight.
- Texas Panhandle: Light snow showers, particularly around Amarillo and Lubbock.
Though accumulation remains minor, slick roads and icy bridges could cause travel difficulties late Friday and early Saturday. Residents in these areas should remain alert for black ice and reduced visibility during overnight hours.
The West: Persistent Mountain Snow and Wind Gusts
The western United States continues to experience an active weather pattern, with heavy mountain snow and strong winds impacting travel and ski conditions.
Rocky Mountains
- Colorado: 8–12 inches of snow in the central and northern ranges, especially near Vail and Breckenridge.
- Wyoming: Winds exceeding 40 mph are producing near-blizzard conditions in open areas.
- Montana and Idaho: 6–10 inches expected in mountainous terrain, with dangerous wind chills in valleys.
Pacific Northwest and California
A second Pacific system is delivering fresh snow to the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.
- Washington and Oregon Cascades: 8–14 inches of snow expected by late Saturday.
- Northern California (Lake Tahoe and Shasta regions): Up to 16 inches at high elevations, improving ski conditions but complicating mountain travel.
Officials warn of chain requirements on multiple highways, including portions of I-80, US-50, and mountain passes through the Sierra Nevada.
Temperature Outlook: Coldest Air of the Season
Much of the U.S. is now entering the coldest stretch of the season. Arctic air continues to settle south, keeping temperatures below average through early next week.
Regional Temperature Forecasts
- Northern Plains: Highs between 0°F and 10°F; lows near -15°F.
- Midwest: Highs 15–25°F with wind chills below zero.
- Northeast: Daytime highs in the 20s; nighttime lows in the teens.
- South: Cooler-than-normal temperatures, 10–15°F below average for most areas.
- West: Mountain regions remain cold, while California’s valleys see mild highs near 55°F.
Experts expect this cold pattern to persist through mid-December, with gradual moderation by next weekend.
Travel and Air Disruptions
Winter weather has already caused flight delays and cancellations at several major airports, particularly in Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Boston, and New York City. Airlines have issued weather waivers for passengers traveling through affected regions between December 12–15.
Key Highways with Major Snow Impact
- I-90: From South Dakota through upstate New York — heavy snow and icy patches.
- I-80: From Wyoming to Pennsylvania — reduced visibility due to blowing snow.
- I-70: Hazardous conditions through Colorado and the Midwest.
Road maintenance crews are working continuously, but motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during active snow periods and to check regional alerts before heading out.
Early Outlook for Next Week
The long-range snow weather forecast for December 15–20 shows continued cold conditions with several regions likely to see additional snowfall.
- West Coast: Another Pacific storm may bring fresh snow to California and the Pacific Northwest by midweek.
- Midwest: A lighter round of snow possible around December 18–19 as a new low develops over the Plains.
- Northeast: Occasional snow showers expected, with temperatures remaining well below seasonal averages.
- South and Southeast: Dry and cool weather with some overnight frost.
No major blizzards are currently projected for next week, but forecasters caution that rapid changes are possible under the current active jet stream pattern.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
With much of the country under winter advisories, officials urge residents to take extra precautions as temperatures drop and snow accumulates.
Winter Safety Checklist:
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including blankets, food, and water.
- Charge phones and flashlights ahead of potential power outages.
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- Stay off icy roads when possible and reduce speed if travel is necessary.
- Monitor local alerts for changes in weather conditions and school or transportation closures.
Local emergency services continue to remind drivers to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during active snow periods.
Economic and Travel Impacts
The ongoing snow and cold have already started to impact holiday travel and shipping operations across the Midwest and Northeast. Logistics networks are adjusting delivery times, and public transit in several cities is operating on modified schedules due to icy conditions.
For the ski industry, however, the storm brings welcome news. Resorts across Colorado, Utah, Vermont, and California are reporting ideal conditions heading into the busy winter season. The fresh snowpack is also improving water reserves in drought-prone regions of the West.
Final Thoughts
The snow weather forecast for mid-December 2025 confirms that winter has arrived in full force across the United States. With snow blanketing large portions of the country, freezing temperatures spreading south, and travel disruptions continuing through the weekend, it’s shaping up to be a true winter weekend from coast to coast.
How are the snow conditions where you live? Share your local updates and winter photos in the comments below!