Minnesota starts the first Monday of 2026 under a sharp winter chill, with pale sunlight reflecting off frozen pavement and breath hanging in the air. By evening, conditions begin to deteriorate as moisture moves in and temperatures hover near freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect late today, with freezing rain developing this evening and continuing into Tuesday. Ice accumulations could reach up to two-tenths of an inch across much of central and eastern Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding metro counties.
Fog develops first, reducing visibility on roads like I-94, I-35W, and Highway 52. As precipitation arrives, light rain freezes on contact with untreated surfaces. Bridges, overpasses, and side streets become especially slick, creating a high-risk window for the Tuesday morning commute.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and plan extra time. To be fair, conditions may look manageable at first, but ice builds quietly and quickly. Power outages remain possible where ice coats tree limbs and power lines.
The pattern stays active through midweek. Tuesday remains mostly cloudy and cold, with lingering freezing rain early before tapering. Wednesday brings a brief break, with sunshine returning and highs climbing into the upper 30s.
That pause does not last long. Another round of wintry precipitation becomes possible late Thursday into Friday, with light snow and a wintry mix back in play. Several inches of snow are possible by Saturday, especially east of the Twin Cities into western Wisconsin.
Winter has clearly taken control as January unfolds. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as new systems approach. Traveling later today or Tuesday morning? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
Monday: Mostly cloudy. Freezing rain develops late. High near 34.
Tuesday: Slight freezing rain early, then cloudy. High near 34.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and calmer. High near 38.
Thursday: Partly sunny. Wintry mix possible late. High near 37.
Friday: Chance of snow. High near 34.
