Fall may have just begun, but residents of the Midwest can start preparing for the first measurable snowfall in their area. The National Weather Service and state agencies provide average dates for when snow usually begins to fall in several major cities.
Detroit
In metro Detroit, the first measurable snowfall typically arrives around Nov. 16. Historical data from 1884 to 2023 show a median first snowfall of an inch or more on Nov. 15. The earliest recorded one‑inch snowfall was on Sept. 26, 1942 (about 42.5 inches), and the latest was on Jan. 21, 2005 (0.4‑0.5 inches). Detroit’s average annual snowfall between 2000 and 2020 was 43.4 inches.
Minneapolis (Twin Cities)
The Twin Cities average their first measurable snowfall on Nov. 5. The earliest one‑inch snowfall on record, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, occurred on Sept. 26, 1942, while the latest was on Jan. 21, 2005. Minneapolis receives an average of 51 inches of snow each season.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s first average snowfall arrives on Nov. 2. The city’s record one‑day snowfall is 17.9 inches (March 3, 1881), and the deepest storm snow depth was 33 inches during Jan. 25‑27, 1979. The most snowfall in a single season was 109.8 inches in 1885‑1886.
Chicago
Chicago typically sees its first measurable snow on Oct. 31. Annual snowfall averages between 25 and 40 inches, with the snowiest months being January and February. The record seasonal total is about 90 inches from the 1978‑1979 season.
What This Means for Residents
Knowing these average dates helps families plan for school closures, travel adjustments, and winter preparedness. While early snowfalls can occur—especially in the Great Lakes region—most residents can expect measurable snow by mid‑November in Detroit and early November in the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
