So… When Can We Expect Accumulating Snow in Dubuque?

I get it. A lot of you are probably mad that I'm even curious enough to mention the foul, white, miserable chill of winter this early. I, however, am a big fan of the "Ber" months, always have been. The changing leaves, the crisp cool air, tailgating season; need I say more? The thing is about these "Ber" months, when they begin to become the "Brrrrrrrr" months, and then even I want to stay indoors.

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Now, Iowa's weather is sporadic to say the least. As the old adage goes, "Don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes." In the case of winters, we've seen it all in the Tri-State area: 10+ inch blizzards, polar vortexes that send the temps to 30º below, and then the random 70º days that make hiking on New Year's Day possible. That being said, I was curious, when exactly will we get some snow that sticks to the ground around here?

In Dubuque, the first measurable snowfall, meaning at least a tenth of an inch, usually arrives around late November. Of course, averages are tricky when it comes to Iowa weather; some years bring an early dusting in October, while others keep snowflakes at bay until December. Northern Illinois sees a similar timeline, with snow often starting in early to mid-November, while southern Wisconsin sometimes has to wait until late November, though the northern parts of the state can catch an early October flurry or two.

Iowa: Late October to late November

• Northern areas may see early flurries in October
• Most of the state usually sees sticking snow by late November

Illinois: Early to mid-November

• Northern Illinois often gets measurable snow first
• Southern parts may wait a bit longer, closer to mid-November

Wisconsin: October to late November

• Northern Wisconsin can get snow as early as October
• Southern Wisconsin typically sees the first accumulating snow by late November

Why the delay? Well, snow needs two key ingredients: temperatures below freezing and enough moisture in the air to actually stick. Early-season flakes sometimes fall only to melt away, leaving that teasing “almost winter” feeling. And let's not forget storm tracks can be affected by even small atmospheric changes; sometimes sending snow north or south of us just to keep things interesting.

So, whether you’re a fan of cozy winter coats or just love seeing your driveway disappear under a blanket of white (and maybe a day of two off school/work) you can expect Dubuque, and much of the surrounding Tri-State area, to see its first accumulating snow sometime between late October and late November, with plenty of surprises along the way. Keep your snow boots handy, and embrace the “Brrrrrrrr” months: it's coming, one flake at a time!