Minneapolis woke Monday, March 16, 2026, to a harsh reminder that winter is not done yet, with frigid air near 9°F at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International and mostly clear skies. Travel is still dicey in spots where drifting snow has coated the roads, and blowing snow combined with gusty north-northwest winds is kicking up slick patches and pockets of reduced visibility in open areas. Forecasters expect the winds to gradually back off through the afternoon, but the morning is set to be a grind for drivers.
Afternoon Winds And The Morning Commute
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, patchy blowing snow will hang around through mid-morning with north-northwest winds at 15 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 35 to 40 mph. The high today is forecast near 18°F, but wind-chill values will run close to −11°F. That combo keeps untreated side streets and bridges especially slick, so drivers are urged to give plows and transit crews plenty of room and build in extra time for the commute.
Quick Snow Tuesday Night, Then A Warm Break
A fast-moving system slides in Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with snow likely after 2 p.m. and a quick overnight burst that could drop about 1 to 3 inches across the metro. The wave is short-lived but could still turn roads treacherous for a few hours. We first flagged this risk in our sneaky snow alert on March 11. Temperatures then climb later in the week, with highs in the low 40s on Wednesday and into the 50s by Friday, so any fresh accumulation should melt quickly once the warmup arrives.
What To Do
If you have to be on the roads today, leave earlier than usual, keep a winter kit and a fully charged phone in your vehicle, and watch for sudden gusts that blow snow across exposed stretches. Check local agency alerts and road cameras before heading out, and expect plows to focus on main routes first while neighborhood streets may stay slick into the afternoon.
