Icy Conditions Expected Across Minnesota Thursday

A wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow is forecast to create hazardous travel conditions across Minnesota Thursday, potentially impacting commutes and daily life. The National Weather Service has issued advisories and warnings for much of the state.

Timeline of the Wintry Mix

The precipitation began Wednesday evening and is expected to intensify overnight. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, snow and sleet started falling alongside light rain in the Twin Cities metro area. The most significant icing is anticipated during the overnight hours, with gusty winds exacerbating the difficult travel conditions. By 6 a.m. Thursday, accumulating ice could bring travel to a standstill, creating slushy road conditions. The afternoon is expected to bring warmer temperatures and a transition to rain.

Regional Impacts and Warnings

Areas along and north of Interstate 90 are expected to see the majority of the freezing precipitation from midnight through mid-morning on Thursday. Slick roads are particularly likely in these areas, especially north of Highway 14. Goodhue and Steele Counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches covering the entire state .

Precipitation Types and Accumulation

• Snow: The heaviest snowfall, 5-8 inches, is expected to remain north of Interstate 94.
• Ice: Ice accumulations are predicted to range from a trace to a tenth of an inch for most areas. Isolated locations north of Highway 14 could see accumulations up to a quarter of an inch.
• Rain/Sleet: Areas between Highway 14 and I-94 have the highest chance of sleet, and ice. Northeastern Iowa should mainly see rain with a patchy glaze of ice.

Current Conditions (as of 11:53 am CDT, April 2, 2026)

At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (KMSP):

• Condition: Light Rain
• Temperature: 35°F (2°C)
• Humidity: 85%
• Wind: East 10 mph, Gusting to 21 mph
• Barometer: 29.77 in (1008.7 mb)
• Dewpoint: 31°F (-1°C)
• Visibility: 7.00 mi
• Wind Chill: 27°F (-3°C)

Forecast Details

This Afternoon: Showers. High near 36°F. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers, mainly before 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 28°F. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: A chance of showers before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42°F.

Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then rain, mainly after 11pm. Low around 34°F.

Travel Advisory

Motorists are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. Slick road conditions are expected, and travel may grow hazardous or even impossible in some areas. Allow extra time for commutes and be prepared for potential delays.