Minneapolis residents should brace themselves for a wintry mix of weather conditions heading into early December. According to the National Weather Service, flurries were likely before 10 a.m. today, with the day becoming gradually sunny and temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees by late afternoon. Winds from the north northwest are expected at 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight's forecast indicates mostly clear skies but no escape from the chill, with lows around -6 degrees. Although the northwest wind will settle to 5 to 10 mph, becoming light and variable after midnight, the temperatures will deliver a biting cold that is not to be taken lightly. Thursday promises increasing clouds with a high near 16, and with wind chill values plummeting as low as -16 degrees. Light winds from the south southwest will pick up momentum, gusting up to 25 mph.
The National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook cautions that the cold snap isn't just an inconvenience—it's a potential hazard. "Forecast lows will range from -5 to -15 degrees below zero with wind chills ranging from -15 to -25 below zero overnight into early Thursday morning," the advisory reads.
Looking ahead from Thursday through next Tuesday, the likelihood of snow persists, with minor accumulations on the horizon beginning Thursday night into Friday and again over the weekend. Despite the risk of inclement weather, SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed. It seems that, for Minneapolis, winter is picking up right where it always seems too—ushering in the season with a frosty embrace that warrants layers, caution, and the warmth of hearth.
