Weather
Minnesota Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Snow, Ice Possible Nov. 22-28
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-15T00:14:39.792Z
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as the holiday period approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across Minnesota during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook indicates an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions statewide, although the available forecast description does not establish an exact probability category for Minnesota.
These probabilities describe the likelihood of above normal precipitation totals over the seven day period, not the chance of snow or rain on Thanksgiving Day.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook favors generally above normal temperatures across the Upper Midwest, suggesting a potentially milder pattern for late November.
Could Minnesota See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer temperature outlook, snow remains possible across Minnesota, particularly if colder air arrives while precipitation is occurring.
Northern communities, including Duluth, Bemidji, International Falls and Grand Rapids, could experience snow if temperatures remain sufficiently cold.
Central and southern Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Rochester and Mankato, could experience rain during milder periods, with snow or freezing rain possible if temperatures fall near or below freezing.
Above normal temperatures do not mean every day will remain above freezing.
NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall amounts, ice accumulation or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 35, Interstate 90, Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 169 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could create wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could produce slippery conditions if colder temperatures develop.
However, no specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, Minnesota faces a potentially wetter holiday period, with snow and icy conditions remaining possibilities worth monitoring.