Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota – Light snow moving along the Interstate 94 corridor is creating slick travel conditions across much of central and eastern Minnesota on New Year’s Eve, with much colder air arriving overnight to open 2026, according to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.
NWS officials report that a fast-moving clipper system will track southeast along I-94, bringing light snow across most of the region. Snow accumulations of up to around 1 inch are possible, especially from St. Cloud through Minneapolis–St. Paul and into western Wisconsin.
According to the National Weather Service, freezing drizzle is also possible across southwestern Minnesota, which could create isolated slick spots even where snowfall amounts remain light. Snow is expected to taper off later today as drier air moves in.
Temperatures today will range from 25 to 30 degrees, but colder air will move in quickly tonight. New Year’s Eve overnight lows are expected to fall to around 5 degrees below zero, with colder wind chills developing as northwest winds increase.
By New Year’s Day (Thursday), snow showers may linger north of I-94, while the Twin Cities metro turns colder and drier. Daytime highs on Thursday are forecast to reach only 10 to 15 degrees, with morning lows near 0 to 5 degrees.
Road impacts are most likely along Interstate 94, Interstate 35, Interstate 90, and major metro arterials, where light snow and possible freezing drizzle could reduce traction during New Year’s Eve travel. Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance, especially on bridges and untreated roads.
The National Weather Service notes that much colder temperatures will persist into the start of 2026, marking a sharp change from recent milder conditions.
For commuters, overnight workers, and New Year’s Eve travelers, the primary concerns will be slick roads today followed by dangerous cold early New Year’s Day, even though snowfall totals remain modest.
