Minnesota greets the morning with cold pavement and a quiet threat forming overhead.
Moist air drifts in, temperatures hover near freezing, and roads may turn slick fast. This Winter Weather matters as Christmas travel ramps up statewide.
The National Weather Service warns of freezing drizzle and drizzle developing later today, continuing into the night. Ice accumulation is expected to remain light, but even thin glaze can impact roads. Travel conditions may deteriorate into Thursday morning, especially on untreated surfaces.
Central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, remain under the Hazardous Weather Outlook. Current temperatures sit in the mid-20s, keeping pavement cold. As drizzle develops, brief black ice patches could form on bridges, ramps, and side streets.
Drivers should slow down and allow extra time by evening. Even minor icing increases crash risk during peak holiday travel hours. Sidewalks and parking lots may also become slick.
The outlook extends beyond Christmas. Freezing drizzle remains possible Thursday through early Friday, again with light ice accumulation. Conditions stay manageable, but impacts add up with repeated glazing events.
Wind becomes the next concern heading into the weekend. Strong northwest wind gusts over 40 mph are expected Saturday night into Sunday across western and south-central Minnesota. Blowing snow may develop where snow cover exists, reducing visibility on open highways.
Saturday daytime appears calmer for post-Christmas travel. Highs reach the low 40s, offering brief relief. Travelers heading out early should still watch for leftover slick spots before winds increase later.
Looking ahead, colder air returns late Sunday. Wind chills drop quickly, reinforcing a Winter mindset as December closes.
Five-Day Outlook – Twin Cities, MN
• Today: Mostly cloudy, highs near 36°
• Christmas Day: Cloudy, high near 34°
• Thursday: Chance of freezing drizzle, high near 38°
• Friday: Cloudy, high near 38°
• Saturday: Partly sunny, windy late, high near 42°
