Weather
Minnesota Thanksgiving Weather: Minneapolis Snow Risk Nov. 18–24?
Minneapolis, MN – Thanksgiving travelers across Minnesota could face an increasingly active weather…
By Grant Holloway · 2026-11-11T05:32:37.004Z
Minneapolis, MN – Thanksgiving travelers across Minnesota could face an increasingly active weather pattern as precipitation chances rise ahead of November 18–24, bringing renewed attention to potential snow, freezing rain, ice and winter storm conditions across the state during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Minnesota and much of the northern United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The outlook highlights a widespread wetter than normal pattern extending from the western United States through the central Plains and Midwest. Some portions of the nation's Heartland reach 70–80% probabilities of above normal precipitation, with Minnesota included in the broader area of elevated precipitation probabilities.
Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and surrounding Twin Cities communities could experience unsettled weather as the wetter pattern develops.
Travelers along Interstate 94, Interstate 35 and Interstate 494 should monitor forecasts for possible rain, snow or mixed precipitation if temperatures fall sufficiently.
Rochester, Mankato and Southern Minnesota Rochester, Mankato, Owatonna, Albert Lea and Winona are also within the region favored for increased precipitation.
Developing storm systems could bring periods of rain or snow, while freezing precipitation could become a concern if surface temperatures approach or fall below freezing.
Duluth, Brainerd and Northern Minnesota Duluth, Brainerd, Bemidji, Grand Rapids and International Falls could face winter weather concerns if colder air overlaps with the wetter pattern.
Snow accumulation, reduced visibility and icy roads are potential hazards that would depend on storm development and temperatures.
St. Cloud, Alexandria and Western Minnesota St. Cloud, Alexandria, Willmar, Moorhead and Fergus Falls should also monitor the developing precipitation outlook.
Travel conditions along Interstate 94 and other regional highways could change if precipitation coincides with colder temperatures.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Winter Storms Develop? The increased precipitation signal arrives just ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, when many Minnesota residents will be traveling across the state and neighboring regions.
Although NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of Minnesota, snow and freezing precipitation remain possible if colder air arrives during periods of precipitation.
The 8–14 day outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the likelihood of a specific snowstorm or ice storm.
With the November 18–24 period extending into the beginning of Thanksgiving week, travelers should monitor upcoming forecasts for changing storm tracks, temperatures and potential winter weather impacts.