18M under winter alerts across West, Midwest
The National Weather Service says more than 18 million people are under winter weather alerts Saturday as a strong system brings heavy snow to the Northern Rockies and expands into the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, including 2–5 inches possible in Chicago. Subzero lows are possible in the Dakotas and Minnesota by Sunday night, while Colorado’s mountains face heavy snow and the Pacific Northwest braces for multiple Pacific systems with widespread heavy rain, flood watches, and a multi‑day flooding threat.
📌 Key Facts
- NWS: 18 million people under winter weather alerts Saturday
- Forecast: 4–6 inches from South Dakota to northwest Illinois; Chicago under winter weather advisory for 2–5 inches
- Bitter cold: subzero lows possible in the Dakotas and Minnesota Sunday night into Monday
- Colorado: winter storm warnings/advisories with heavy mountain snow
- Pacific Northwest: flood watches in place as multiple systems bring heavy rain starting late Sunday–Monday and persisting 5–10 days
📊 Relevant Data
A disrupted polar vortex will keep the nation in the freezer at times deeper into December 2025.
Millions wake up to extreme cold that's breaking records as it ... — CNN
A weak La Niña is expected to persist into winter 2025-26, influencing below-normal temperatures in parts of the West and Midwest.
Winter 2025-26 Outlook — National Weather Service
Between 1999 and 2022, there were 40,079 cold-related deaths in the US, averaging approximately 1,703 per year.
Cold-Related Deaths in the US — PMC - NIH