Weather
Minnesota Winter Weather: Snow Before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26?
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents wondering whether the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season could arrive before Thanksgiving have an early November date to watch. Minneapolis typic
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-17T08:15:03.761Z
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota residents wondering whether the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season could arrive before Thanksgiving have an early November date to watch. Minneapolis typically records its first accumulating snow more than two weeks before the holiday, while northern Minnesota can experience winter conditions during October.
According to historical snowfall information provided for this report, Minneapolis generally experiences its first measurable snowfall around Nov. 10. That is 16 days before Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, this year.
When Does Minnesota Usually See Its First Snow? Minnesota's northern location creates substantial differences in when winter weather arrives.
Northern Minnesota, including communities near International Falls, Bemidji and Ely, can experience accumulating snowfall during October as temperatures fall.
The Duluth area and communities near Lake Superior can also encounter early season snowfall, with local conditions influenced by the lake and surrounding terrain.
Minneapolis, located in Hennepin County within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, provides a reference point for the state's typical first measurable snowfall timing.
Measurable snowfall is defined as at least 0.1 inches of accumulation.
Could Snow Affect Thanksgiving Travel? Historical patterns suggest that measurable snowfall before Thanksgiving is common across Minnesota, particularly in northern communities.
Early winter weather can bring slippery roads, reduced visibility and rapidly changing driving conditions.
Major routes, including Interstate 94, Interstate 35 and Interstate 90, can become hazardous when accumulating snow combines with freezing temperatures.
Minnesota's cold winter climate can also produce blowing snow when strong winds develop over open areas.
However, the Nov. 10 benchmark represents historical timing, not a confirmed snowfall forecast for 2026.
Residents across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester and northern Minnesota should monitor National Weather Service forecasts as November approaches.
For now, Minnesota's historical snowfall patterns point toward early November for Minneapolis, while northern communities can experience accumulating snow even earlier in October.