Minneapolis is bracing for a peppering of snow today, with forecasters at the National Weather Service predicting an onslaught of flakes to start after 2 p.m. and continue into the evening. Accumulations could range from one to three inches, enough to paint the city white and likely to cause travel disruptions. The snowy spell isn't letting up tonight, with another one to three inches expected before 11 p.m., which could complicate things for anyone with Valentine's Day evening plans.

As per a forecast from the National Weather Service, the low tonight will hover around 18 degrees, while the southeast wind shifting northeast may add a brisk chill to the already frosty temperatures. This weekend doesn't promise much respite, with cloudy skies and a 30 percent chance of more snow on Saturday, potentially adding around an inch of new snowfall Saturday night into Sunday. A particularly bracing cold snap is set to hit Sunday night through Wednesday, with wind chills plunging dangerously low, between 25 and 45 degrees below zero.

The National Weather Service also issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for central and southern Minnesota, along with west central Wisconsin. "Snow will develop this afternoon and continue into this evening. Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected across eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin," the advisory states, indicating that the evening commute is likely to be impacted by reduced visibility and slick roads.

In readiness for the inclement weather, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to midnight tonight. "Plan on slippery road conditions," the advisory warns, urging residents to be cautious during the Friday evening commute. The counties under this advisory, including Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington, among others, are tipped to see total snow accumulations between two and four inches. Spotters and snowfall observers are encouraged to report snowfall amounts to the National Weather Service to keep the community updated on the changing conditions.