Minnesota starts this Monday with damp pavement and gray skies, but a far more dangerous change arrives after sunset. Another round of freezing rain is moving in, and it could quickly turn roads slick across much of central and eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect this evening and lasts through noon Tuesday. Rain develops first, then transitions to freezing rain as surface temperatures hover near 32 degrees. That temperature line will wobble, and where it dips just enough, ice will build fast.
Forecasters warn ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch are possible, especially across the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud, Willmar, Eau Claire, and surrounding communities. Even smaller amounts will create hazardous travel. Side streets, bridges, ramps, and untreated roads will ice over first.
Conditions are expected to worsen late this evening through early Tuesday morning, right when many drivers are heading out for work and school. Visibility may stay decent, but traction will not. Vehicles may slide even at low speeds. Pedestrians should also watch for glazed sidewalks and parking lots.
Power outages are not expected to be widespread, but isolated issues remain possible where ice coats trees and lines. Temperatures stay near freezing through Tuesday morning, slowing improvement until rain or gradual warming arrives closer to midday.
What to do now:
Delay travel if possible Tuesday morning. Reduce speed and increase following distance if you must drive. Check road conditions before leaving using 511mn.org or 511wi.gov. Keep extra time in your plans.
This system fits the pattern of Winter 2026, where marginal temperatures create high-impact icing events instead of snow.
Five-Day Outlook (Twin Cities Region):
- Monday: Cloudy, rain developing late
- Tonight: Freezing rain, icy roads
- Tuesday: Icy early, gradual improvement by midday
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, calmer
- Thursday: Watching next system
