Minneapolis, Minnesota – While temperatures today may still feel cold across Minnesota, a prolonged stretch of warmer-than-average weather is expected to develop beginning Sunday and continue through much of next week.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service Twin Cities office, forecast guidance shows a 70 to 80 percent chance that above-normal temperatures will persist through mid-February. The warming trend is expected to begin Sunday and strengthen into the workweek, marking a noticeable shift from recent winter conditions.
Forecast high temperatures across the Twin Cities metro are expected to climb into the mid-30s to low 40s by early next week, with some southern and western Minnesota locations reaching the low to mid-40s. Overnight lows are also expected to moderate, reducing the severity of morning cold.
Communities along major transportation corridors such as Interstate 94, Interstate 35, Interstate 494, Highway 52, and Highway 169 will experience similar warming. The milder conditions could improve driving conditions by reducing ice buildup, though daytime melting followed by nighttime refreezing may still create slick spots.
The National Weather Service’s 6- to 10-day temperature outlook favors above-normal temperatures across most of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Midwest. In the Twin Cities region, probabilities of sustained warmth range from 70 to 80 percent, with slightly lower chances farther east.
While the warmer pattern may reduce snowpack and ease heating demands, officials caution that winter is not over. February temperature swings can be abrupt, and colder air could still return later in the month.
For commuters, students, and outdoor workers, the extended thaw may provide a welcome break from prolonged cold. However, residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts, especially for potential impacts related to melting snow and refreezing overnight.
The National Weather Service advises staying aware of changing conditions as this February thaw unfolds across the region.
