Minneapolis woke up shivering on Wednesday, April 1, with mostly cloudy skies and temps hovering around 32°F, and the real trouble has not even arrived yet. A messy spring system is set to move in late Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, dragging along a cocktail of rain, freezing rain, sleet and a bit of snow that is primed to make the Thursday, April 2 commute slick and stressful. Forecasters say east-to-northeast wind gusts could reach 30 mph, raising the odds of downed branches and spotty power glitches in parts of the metro.
Timing And Expected Impacts
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the Twin Cities metro, with a Winter Storm Warning in place for parts of the eastern suburbs. The most hazardous window runs from roughly 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2. Rain is expected to spread in Wednesday afternoon, then flip to a wintry mix late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Forecasters are calling for localized ice up to about 0.25 inches and as much as an inch of sleet or snow in spots. For full details and county-specific guidance, see the NWS Twin Cities.
Commute And Safety
Road conditions will likely go downhill between midnight and the Thursday morning rush, so plan on extra drive time, slower speeds, and a sharp eye for black ice on bridges, overpasses and ramps. Before heading out, check real-time road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511mn.org, and be ready for slower bus and light-rail trips during the worst of the mix.
If you depend on overnight street parking or have gear sitting outside, it is a good night to think ahead. Secure vehicles and vulnerable outdoor items so gusty winds and brief power interruptions do not turn a sloppy storm into an even bigger headache.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures should climb above freezing by late Thursday, which will help roads improve through the afternoon, although some neighborhood side streets may hang on to slick spots into the morning. Another round of unsettled weather is on the table for Friday night into Saturday, with additional rain and snow showers possible. Keep an eye on updated forecasts over the next 48 hours and be ready to tweak travel or outdoor plans as this early-April curveball plays out.
