Late-Winter Storm Set to Slam Upper Midwest This Weekend

The storm could be one of the strongest on record for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A snowstorm that could rank among the strongest ever in the Midwest region is set to barrel through in the coming days, leaving a foot to over two feet of snow in a corridor that stretches from Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota through Northeast Wisconsin and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Canada.

Why it matters

While Minnesotans are accustomed to the volatility of March weather, the mood a little farther south is less stoic, with many residents less than thrilled about winter's sudden return.

The details

The system is expected to bring a wide variety of hazards through Monday, including the potential for tornadoes on the storm's southern edge and blizzard conditions on its north.

  • The first signs of the system will appear early in the weekend.
  • The primary concern is a dynamic storm developing on Saturday.

The players

Brent Hewitt

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Zachary Yack

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Chicago.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This looks like it could definitely be a top 25 storm of all time.”

— Brent Hewitt, Meteorologist

“Social media reactions to the upcoming winter weather have been a 'mixed bag,' with many residents less than thrilled about winter's sudden return.”

— Zachary Yack, Meteorologist

The takeaway

This late-winter storm is a stark reminder of the volatility of March weather in the Midwest, and highlights the need for residents to be prepared for sudden shifts in seasonal conditions.