Minneapolis is getting a quick taste of spring Tuesday, with temperatures starting in the upper 30s and a high near 52°F on Tuesday, February 17. Skies will thicken through the afternoon as east winds ramp up, setting the stage for evening rain and a few embedded thunderstorms. Gusts could reach around 35 mph at times, so any outdoor plans are likely to feel pretty blustery.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The mild start follows a warm weekend that pushed highs into the 50s, a trend noted in a Sunday update. East-southeast winds will increase this afternoon to 5 to 20 mph with gusts around 30 to 35 mph, which means even quick porch-side chores may feel windier than the temperature suggests. For more on the recent mild spell, check out our earlier springlike Sunday warm-up.
Tonight: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain is expected to move in during the evening, roughly between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17. Showers and thunderstorms are likely into the late-night hours before activity tapers off early Wednesday. Temperatures will slip to around 40°F while south-southeast winds increase to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Overall rainfall amounts should stay on the lighter side, although brief heavy downpours or small hail are possible with stronger cells. For full timing and impact details, see the National Weather Service Twin Cities.
Wednesday Into The End Of The Week
Colder air arrives Wednesday, with highs near 41°F and a chance for rain to mix with snow during the daytime commute. A stronger system moving in later Thursday into Friday could bring rain that changes to snow and drops 1 to 3 inches of accumulation in parts of central Minnesota, with smaller totals possible around the metro. Temperatures fall into the 20s by Thursday, and overnight lows may dip into the single digits this weekend, so expect a quick snap back to more typical winter conditions.
What This Means For Your Commute
If you are out this evening, plan on bringing an umbrella and leaving a little extra time. The main line of storms should arrive after the busiest part of the evening commute, but showers and any thunderstorms could still create slick roads and briefly reduced visibility. Gusty winds may toss around loose outdoor items, and bridges or overpasses could turn slippery if temperatures approach freezing Wednesday night. Allow additional time for travel and keep an eye on airline or transit updates if you have plans. Local forecasts will be key as timing and precipitation type could still shift with the storm track.
