The National Weather Service has warned residents of multiple Minnesota counties, including Minneapolis, to brace for hazardous weather conditions today. The forecast for Minneapolis predicts "freezing rain likely before 11am, then a slight chance of snow showers between 11am and 2pm," according to the National Weather Service. The city is expected to experience plunging temperatures, with cloud cover and an increasingly strong northwest wind, potentially reaching gusts as high as 45 mph. The likelihood of precipitation is pegged at 60%, albeit with minimal ice and snow accumulation anticipated.
Tonight, the situation remains stark with mostly cloudy skies and low temperatures around 7 degrees. Due to the wind chill factor, it may feel as frigid as -12, with strong, gusty winds continuing into the night. In the meanwhile, the Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service emphasizes the potential challenges for the morning commute, including "Light snow showers and scattered freezing drizzle this morning along with plummeting temperatures could lead to a slick morning commute," as road conditions become slippery.
The rest of the week appears to offer a respite from today's bluster, with Thursday's forecast indicating sunny skies and a high near 17 degrees, complete with calmer northwest winds. Friday promises even more sun and a higher temperature hovering around 27 degrees. The upward trend continues into the weekend, with mostly sunny conditions and temperatures possibly reaching the low 40s by Sunday.
However, the onset of the new week may mark the return of adverse conditions. A Wind Advisory is currently in effect "from 9 AM this morning to midnight CST tonight," with predicted northwest winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph and gusts that could hit the 50 mph mark. These powerful gusts "will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," warned Borghoff from the National Weather Service. Precautionary measures are advisable, particularly for high-profile vehicles which may find navigation problematic in the windy conditions.
Residents in the forecasted areas are advised to stay updated on weather developments and to prepare for the conditions outlined by weather officials. Measures may include securing outdoor items, exercising caution during travel, and being prepared for potential power interruptions. The Minneapolis community is no stranger to such weather, but awareness and preparation remain vital in navigating the season's trials.
