A Chilly Friday Reset: Light Snow and Gray Skies Linger Over Minneapolis

Morning: Slushy Starts and Lingering Snow Showers
Minneapolis residents waking up this Friday, February 20, 2026, will find the remnants of recent winter weather still clinging to the city. Early morning conditions are characterized by light snow showers and overcast skies. While the heaviest accumulation from the mid-week storm has passed, National Weather Service reports indicate that light additional accumulation is possible through the morning commute. Drivers should remain cautious, as blowing snow may still impact visibility, particularly on open stretches of highway and overpasses.
Temperatures during the early hours will hover in the low 20s, with a localized "feels like" temperature closer to 16°F due to a steady breeze. Humidity remains high at approximately 77%, contributing to a damp, biting cold that necessitates heavy winter gear for anyone heading outdoors before noon.
Afternoon: Clouds Dominate the Twin Cities
By midday, the light snow is expected to taper off, leaving the city under a dense blanket of gray clouds. The afternoon high is projected to reach approximately 31°F, which is slightly below the seasonal average for late February. Despite the lack of sunshine, the wind will remain relatively manageable, blowing from the west-northwest at around 11 mph.
For those planning outdoor activities, the afternoon offers the best window for travel as the 20% chance of precipitation mid-day remains low. However, local sidewalks and side streets may remain slick as the temperature stays near the freezing mark, preventing significant melting of existing ice and slush.
Evening: A Subtle Clearing and Freezing Temps
As we transition into the evening, the heavy overcast conditions may begin to break slightly, giving way to partly cloudy skies tonight. However, the lack of cloud cover will allow temperatures to drop steadily, reaching a low of 22°F by late evening. Residents are advised to watch for refreezing on roads and walkways as any moisture from the daytime flurries turns back to ice.
Daily Weather Snapshot
- High Temperature: 31°F (-1°C)
- Low Temperature: 22°F (-6°C)
- Wind: WNW at 11 mph with occasional higher gusts.
- Precipitation: 23% chance of light snow, primarily in the morning hours.
- Warnings: No active Winter Storm Warnings for Hennepin County, but Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for southern Minnesota counties until 9:00 AM.