A crisp start in Minneapolis, with clear skies and temperatures near 46°F at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport this morning, will not last long. Sunshine and a mild high near 69°F are on tap for today (Wednesday, April 15, 2026), before a fast-moving cold front barrels in Friday, April 17. That front is expected to focus the best chance for thunderstorms east of I-35 and then send temperatures plunging, leaving the metro blustery and even seeing a few wet snow showers by Saturday, April 18, 2026.
This Afternoon And Thursday Warmup
The sun sticks around this afternoon with a high near 69°F and light northeast winds, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities. Thursday looks even more springlike, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and a breezy south-southeast wind. It is a quick, pleasant warm stretch before the front slams the brakes on the mild trend.
Where This Fits In
We flagged this pattern earlier in the week in a mid-April warm stretch. The overall setup has held, but the timing has nudged so that this round of storminess is now centered on Friday afternoon and evening for parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Friday Storms Could Turn Severe
Late Friday afternoon into the evening on Friday, April 17, a strong cold front is expected to fire up scattered thunderstorms, with the greatest severe threat east of I-35, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities. Forecasters note that initial storms could split into supercells and later organize into a squall line, bringing damaging wind gusts, with gusts in the mid 20s mph possible, along with brief heavy rain. Behind the front, temperatures will tumble quickly, dropping 30 degrees or more by Friday night.
Weekend Chill And Travel Notes
Much colder air settles in for the weekend. Saturday, April 18, looks breezy with highs only in the low 40s and a 30 to 40 percent chance of snow showers in some areas, especially across the northern and western suburbs. If you have outdoor plans Friday evening, it is wise to have a backup indoor option. Early Saturday, be prepared for gusty northwest winds and the possibility of slick spots on bridges and untreated surfaces.
