Winter Storm Warning for 15 States Brings 'Bitterly Cold' -20° Temperature, Winds Exceeding 40 MPH, and 12 Inches of Snow

As the country prepares to say goodbye to 2025, many Americans will have plans to travel to celebrate New Year's Eve or be with their loved ones. However, people planning to hit the road in at least 15 states across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast in the coming days may want to reconsider or be very prepared for the winter storm conditions that are predicted.

North Dakota and Minnesota Are Facing ‘Bitterly Cold’ -20° Temperatures and 40 MPH Winds

On December 26, 2025, the X account for the National Weather Service's Prediction Center shared warnings about upcoming winter storm conditions that are set to hit several American regions. As a part of that winter storm warning, the agency released details about the dangerous weather conditions that are expected to affect North Dakota and Minnesota on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and Monday, December 29, 2025.

"Wind gusts in excess of 40 mph and bitterly cold temperatures spill south from Canada will lead to sub-zero wind chills Sunday and into Monday. Dangerously cold wind chills as cold as -20°F are likely in North Dakota and Northern Minnesota."

Traveling during weather conditions that cold can be extremely dangerous since it risks getting stuck in frigid temperatures that could lead to serious consequences. That is why travel experts warn travelers to carry winter safety kits in their vehicles during the winter months.

America Will Also Face ‘Whiteout Conditions’ and ‘Hazardous Ice, According to the Same Winter Storm Warning

As part of the same X post from the National Weather Service Prediction Center, the agency warned of other dangerous winter weather conditions. The warning began by stating that a storm system will intensify on Sunday and Monday, affecting the Midwest and Northeast. "A storm system will rapidly intensify over the Midwest on Sunday and track through the Great Lakes on Monday. producing a plethora of hazardous weather from the Northern Plains through the Northeast."

The warning went on to describe winter storm conditions that will affect parts of Michigan, the Upper Midwest, Upstate New York, Northwest Pennsylvania, and the areas surrounding the Great Lakes. "Periods of heavy snow are anticipated across the Upper Great Lakes late Sunday and continuing into Monday. Lake-enhanced snow along Michigan's Upper Peninsula will support over a foot of snow. Blowing snow is likely to cause whiteout conditions and treacherous travel across portions of the Upper Midwest & Great Lakes. Following a cold frontal passage on Monday, expect locally heavy lake effect snow for parts of Upstate New York and Northwest Pennsylvania."

The other part of the winter storm warning described how icy weather will affect parts of the Northeast, Wisconsin, and Michigan on Sunday and Monday. "An icy wintry mix is forecast across the interior Northeast starting Sunday afternoon and continuing over the Northern Appalachians into Monday morning. Freezing spray is also expected along the northern shores of Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula."