November is here, and while temperatures are dipping, the state seems primed for its first taste of 2025 winter weather.

National Weather Service long-term forecasts are predicting a colder, wetter winter compared to the unseasonably warm 2024, and that begins with predicted winter weather over the weekend in the northeast.

Kari Fleegel is a meteorologist and the National Weather Service Aberdeen station.

“We’re looking at Friday night a wintery mix of rain and snow, not a lot, but mainly before people wake up Saturday morning," Fleegel said. "Could be a dusting of snow on the ground, but ground temperatures are so warm right now it’s going to have a hard time sticking. Anywhere from the Leola Hills through potentially Aberdeen and more of those higher elevations of northeastern South Dakota — the Prairie Coteau area.”

She said it’s better to be prepared than caught out in severe weather.

“It’s a good reminder that winter is coming and it’s time to fully start preparing," Fleegel said. "Starting to put more of that winter safety gear in the vehicle. Just a healthy reminder the next few days.”

That means having a kit in the car for when severe weather hits.

“Definitely put the shovel in the vehicle, a blanket, a spare cell phone charger, have some snacks in there and a flashlight," Fleegel said. "Any other gear you might need if you are on the road for a while and potentially get stuck.”

You can monitor the latest road conditions across South Dakota on the Department of Transportation’s website or by calling 511.