Minnesota greets the morning with stiff air and gray skies, the kind that bites exposed skin fast. Breath hangs in the air across the Twin Cities as temperatures sit near 18 degrees, with wind chills closer to the single digits. Winter is firmly in control, even as a short-lived warmup begins to take shape.
According to the National Weather Service, skies turn partly sunny today with highs reaching the mid-20s. Roads stay dry, but cold pavement remains unforgiving. Drivers should stay alert for shaded icy spots, especially early. Bundle up if walking or waiting for transit.
A noticeable shift arrives Tuesday as milder air pushes north. Afternoon temperatures climb toward 40 degrees, briefly easing the cold snap. Winds strengthen through the day, which may limit how warm it feels. Snow cover melts in spots, setting up a classic December concern.
By Wednesday, the pattern turns active. Highs hover near the upper 30s, but clouds thicken fast. Rain becomes likely Wednesday evening, then mixes with snow as colder air rushes back in. Winds increase, and conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset.
Late Wednesday night into Thursday brings the biggest impact window. Rain changes to snow, with gusty northwest winds creating blustery conditions. While snowfall amounts look light for now, temperatures fall sharply into the single digits. Any moisture left on roads could flash freeze, increasing crash risk during early commutes.
Thursday stays cold and unsettled. Highs struggle near 30 degrees, and snow chances linger. Visibility may drop at times, especially on open stretches of I-94 and I-35. Plan extra travel time and slow down if flakes pick up.
Looking ahead to the weekend, cold dominates again. Highs remain in the 20s, with occasional snow chances. This pattern signals a deeper winter setup as Christmas travel season approaches.
Five-Day Outlook for Minneapolis, MN
• Today: Partly sunny, high near 26°F
• Tuesday: Milder, windy, high near 40°F
• Wednesday: Rain developing, high near 38°F
• Thursday: Snow chance, blustery, high near 30°F
• Friday: Cold, spotty snow, high near 29°F
