Minneapolis is gearing up for a burst of winter weather starting today, with snow expected to arrive in the afternoon and persist into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. The city could see less than a half inch of snow by nightfall. Commuters should watch for patchy fog later tonight as temperatures drop to a chilly 14 degrees. As the week progresses, Minnesotans should prepare for a chilling forecast, with the potential for a powerful storm system tracking towards the region by the weekend.
The immediate outlook for Minneapolis does not seem to pose any significant threats, aside from minor inconveniences. "Snow likely, mainly after 3 pm. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible" details an update from the National Weather Service. This evening will see the snow tapering off before 10 pm but not before giving rise to patchy fog that could impact visibility on the roads.
As we head into the latter half of the week, temperatures are forecast to take a dramatic dip, with Thursday's high dropping to around 12 degrees in the afternoon and falling even further by the weekend. Wind chill factors are a concern, with "wind chills dropping into the 20s and 30s below zero starting Saturday night," warns the National Weather Service in their Hazardous Weather Outlook. Residents should stay informed and prepare for harsh winter conditions, suitable clothing, and necessary precautions should be taken to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
The upcoming weekend could further test the city's mettle, with more snow in the forecast and daytime highs hovering dangerously around zero. "A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 9. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph," states the weather service concerning Saturday's conditions. Looking ahead, Martin Luther King Day and the following days will continue Minneapolis' cold streak, with highs barely climbing above zero and lows sinking into the negative double-digits.
