Minnesota roads fade into a wall of gray this morning as dense fog blankets Minneapolis and much of central Minnesota. Visibility has dropped to a quarter mile or less in spots, forcing drivers along I-94, I-35W and Highway 100 to slow down and rely on headlights even after sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. for Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington and surrounding counties, including parts of western Wisconsin. Visibility may suddenly fall below one-quarter mile, creating hazardous travel during the mid-morning commute.
Temperatures sit near 35 degrees with light winds, so icy spots are limited. Still, this is the time of year when brief melting and refreezing can create slick patches on bridges. Leave extra space and avoid sudden braking.
Clouds gradually thin later today, and highs climb to 55 degrees. That milder March air continues Thursday with sunshine and highs in the mid-50s. Spring warmth builds briefly before the next system arrives.
By Friday afternoon, showers develop with an 80% chance of rain. Rain could mix with wet snow Friday night as temperatures dip to the low 30s. Light accumulations remain possible on grassy surfaces. Plan for wet roads and reduced visibility into early Saturday.
The weekend turns sunnier but cooler, with highs near 49 Saturday and near 60 by Sunday. Early next week trends even milder, with highs pushing the mid-60s by Monday as we head toward the time change Sunday at 2 a.m., when clocks spring ahead.
Traveling later today or Friday? Let us know what you’re seeing on the roads.
Five Day Outlook for Minneapolis, Minnesota:
Today: High 55, dense fog early, then partial sun.
Thursday: High 54, partly sunny.
Friday: High 55, showers likely.
Friday Night: Low 31, rain/snow likely.
Saturday: High 49, sunny.
