Minneapolis, Minnesota – Holiday travel across parts of Minnesota could turn slippery today as fog and freezing drizzle settle in, creating icy patches on roads north of Interstate 94 through Christmas night.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for counties along and north of I-94 due to the potential for a light glaze of ice. Areas that remain below freezing may see freezing drizzle accumulate on untreated roads, bridges, and sidewalks, making travel hazardous at times.
Christmas Day is expected to stay gloomy, with widespread low clouds and areas of fog during the morning. Drizzle and freezing drizzle will develop through the afternoon and evening, with the greatest icing risk from central Minnesota into portions of western Wisconsin. Locations such as St. Cloud, Alexandria, Little Falls, and Eau Claire could see slick conditions develop quickly, even with minimal precipitation.
South of I-94, including much of the Twin Cities metro, temperatures are expected to stay warm enough for plain drizzle. Even so, fog could reduce visibility, especially during the evening and overnight hours.
High temperatures today will range from near 30 degrees north to around 40 degrees south, with light southeast winds. Drizzle and areas of fog are expected to linger into Christmas night and early Friday.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be alert for sudden icy patches. Conditions could change quickly where temperatures hover near freezing, and additional advisories may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
