Minneapolis, Minnesota – A 30-degree temperature crash will hit the I-94 corridor within 24 hours, with highs near 50 degrees Friday falling into the teens by Saturday night as snow returns to southern Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, above-normal warmth continues Thursday and Friday with afternoon highs ranging from 40 to 50 degrees across Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington. Southwest winds increase Friday, with gusts approaching 40 mph along I-35W and I-494 by late afternoon. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should prepare for crosswinds, especially on open stretches of highway.
Temperatures begin dropping late Friday as colder air pushes south. By Saturday afternoon, readings will struggle to climb above 25 degrees in the metro, marking a sharp reversal from the prior day’s warmth.
Light snow becomes likely across southern Minnesota Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, including areas along US-169 and I-94. While snowfall totals remain modest at this time, even a light coating could create slick roads as pavement temperatures fall quickly after sunset. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first.
Sunday remains colder with highs in the teens and increasing cloud cover. Overnight lows dip toward zero in outlying suburbs, raising concerns for refreezing on untreated surfaces.
Motorists should monitor updates through Friday evening as timing of the temperature drop and snowfall could shift. Additional advisories may be issued if snow amounts trend higher or winds strengthen during the cooldown.
