textproduct: Twin Cities

KEY MESSAGES

- Another clipper system brings a period of light snow this morning. Some freezing drizzle is also possible across southwest MN.

- A few more weak disturbances may bring additional chances for light snow accumulation through early next week.

- Cold start to the New Year with highs in the teens through Saturday. Temperatures modify back into the 20s thereafter.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 333 AM CST Wed Dec 31 2025

Temperatures are mild early this morning in the low to mid 30s across the southern half of MN and in the 20s in WI. A cold front across northern MN will push south during the next few hours and temperatures will begin dropping. A steady decline in temperatures will occur from this morning through this evening. There have been a few reports of light rain overnight in parts of MN, but temperatures are mild enough to keep it from causing slick spots.

Current radar shows the next batch of light snow across eastern ND and northwest MN heading southeast. The column will saturate between 4-6 AM and light snow will begin. Initially, lift should be weak, and most of the saturated column will be warmer than -10C signaling mostly plates and columns. Later in the morning, better lift through a shallow DGZ layer between 12-15 kft could start producing more dendrites. It isn't until closer to midday more of the temperature profile cools into the DGZ, but by then drier air begins to work in and the snow ends. Visibilities will be reduced, but the snow may not be the most efficient at accumulating. Still calling for around an inch or less with this quick shot of snow, with the highest amounts along the I-94 corridor. Some freezing drizzle is possible across southwest MN given a drier DGZ, but very little ice accumulation is expected.

Surface high pressure will build in tonight. Clearing skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall below zero in most areas this evening. High clouds will increase overnight with the approach of another weak disturbance, which should stabilize and moderate temperatures toward dawn. The column will saturate up to about 15 kft with modest lift between the upper and lower DGZ layers. Light snow chances are increasing along and north of I-94 with accumulations of 1/2 to 1 inch possible again.

Northwest flow will prevail through the period, although heights are expected to increase this weekend and lead to a moderating trend with temperatures. Another couple disturbances on Friday night and Sunday may bring even more chances for light snow. Some potential for a wintry mix does exist for Sunday depending on how much warm air begins working in aloft. Neither of these look too significant but may bring typical minor impacts as with any wintry precipitation.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 608 AM CST Wed Dec 31 2025

The snow is arriving a little later than expected, but it is starting to enter central MN at TAF issuance time with MVFR vis now being reported at AXN. The snow will spread southeast during the next couple of hours, reaching eastern MN and RNH areas by 14Z. The snow still extends back into northeastern ND, so it is going to be a while before it exits. Forecast soundings show favorable saturation into the mid afternoon hours. Rates will be light, but IFR visibilities are likely. Another round of light snow expected Thursday morning along and north of I-94.

KMSP...Light snow should arrive around 1330Z, then continue for several hours into the mid afternoon. MVFR/IFR conditions are likely with the snow, with visibilities hovering on either side of 2SM.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/ THU...VFR. Wind SW 5-10kts. FRI...VFR. Wind NW 5-10kts. SAT...VFR. Wind S 5-15kts.

MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

MN...None. WI...None.