MINNESOTA — The air over the Twin Cities feels deceptively calm this morning, but a major transition is brewing just beyond the horizon. Sunshine early in the week will soon give way to a wet, wintry change as colder air sweeps across the Upper Midwest ahead of Thanksgiving travel.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, today’s mild highs near 56°F mark the last comfortably warm day before a pattern shift begins. Clouds thicken Monday, bringing a 40% chance of rain by evening, then steadier showers into Tuesday. By Tuesday night, colder air surges in, and temperatures tumble toward the upper 20s — setting up the season’s first rain-to-snow changeover for the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro.
While snow accumulations should stay light, forecasters warn of slick conditions on I-35, I-94, and Highway 52 during Tuesday’s evening commute. Gusty northwest winds could reach 30 mph by Wednesday, creating blustery wind chills in the teens. Travelers leaving early for the holiday should prepare for reduced visibility, wet-to-icy roads, and possible flight delays during the system’s passage.
Thanksgiving Day looks brighter but chilly, with highs near 28°F under mostly sunny skies — a sharp contrast from the start of the week. The weekend may bring another light snow chance, but for now, Minnesota enters its first real taste of winter just in time for Thanksgiving travel.
Five-Day Forecast for Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN:
Sun: 56/40 – Sunny; mild southwest wind.
Mon: 51/41 – Increasing clouds; evening rain chance.
Tue: 47/27 – Rain likely; rain/snow mix late.
Wed: 30/20 – Blustery; colder, mostly cloudy.
Thu: 28/17 – Sunny Thanksgiving; cold and crisp.
