Minneapolis is bracing for a mix of harsh winter conditions this weekend, as forecasted by the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN. Residents can expect a confluence of sleet, freezing rain, and snow beginning tonight and continuing through Saturday. According to the weather forecast, there's an 80% chance of precipitation tonight, with less than a half inch of snow and sleet accumulation possible. The temperature is expected to rise to around 19 degrees by the early morning hours.

As the weekend progresses, a Winter Weather Advisory will take effect from midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Saturday. The advisory, which encompasses parts of central, east central, south-central, and southeast Minnesota, as well as west central Wisconsin, warns of slippery road conditions due to "Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch, sleet accumulations up to one tenth of an inch, and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch," the National Weather Service cautions.

The weather outlook for Sunday to Tuesday suggests cloudy conditions with high temperatures near the mid-30s. A blend of rain and snow is on the docket for Monday, with a 50% chance of precipitation and potential wind gusts as high as 25 mph. Looking ahead to midweek, forecasts indicate partly sunny skies with highs in the mid-20s.

Travelers are advised to take necessary precautions, given the possibility of treacherous travel conditions. The weather service suggests that residents "slow down and use caution while traveling" and provides resources such as 511mn.org in Minnesota and 511wi.gov in Wisconsin for road condition updates. With the wintry mix not expected to let up until late Saturday, weekend plans in Minneapolis and its surrounding regions should be approached with vigilance and preparation.