A Slippery Morning Glaze Gives Way to a Welcome March Thaw

Morning: A Cautious Start to the Day

Minneapolis residents waking up early this Tuesday, March 3, 2026, should be prepared for a bit of a weather surprise. While the afternoon promises a break from the winter chill, the early morning hours are bringing a potential for hazardous travel. A small weather system passing just to our south is expected to throw a quick shot of drizzle across the Twin Cities metro before sunrise.

Meteorologists are specifically watching a narrow window between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. for freezing drizzle. This light precipitation could create a thin, transparent glaze on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. While significant ice accumulation is not expected, even a trace amount of ice can turn the early morning commute into a "skating rink." If you are heading out for an early shift, please allow for extra travel time and use caution on the ramps.

Afternoon: Sunshine and Spring-Like Temperatures

Once the morning clouds and drizzle clear out, the atmosphere over Minneapolis will shift dramatically. By mid-morning, the clouds are expected to break, giving way to mostly sunny skies. A mild air mass is moving into the region, driven by south-southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. This will push afternoon temperatures significantly higher than what we typically expect for early March.

High temperatures are forecasted to reach near 49°F to 51°F, offering a true "spring-like" feel for those getting outdoors during their lunch break. This is a welcome moderation compared to the teen temperatures seen earlier in the week. Humidity levels will hover around 73% during the day, keeping the air feeling relatively comfortable as the snowmelt continues across the city.

Evening and Night: Clearing Skies and Cooling Off

As we transition into the evening hours, the skies will remain clear to partly cloudy. For those looking to the sky, there was a lunar eclipse scheduled for the early morning hours of Tuesday, but unfortunately, heavy cloud cover likely spoiled the view for most Twin Cities skywatchers. However, the evening will be much more pleasant for a walk or outdoor errand.

Temperatures will begin to dip after sunset, falling from the high 40s back into the mid-30s. By late tonight, we expect a low of approximately 34°F. While it remains chilly, the lack of significant wind or incoming precipitation means a quiet night for the metro area. Looking ahead, this mild trend is expected to continue into Wednesday, with even warmer temperatures on the horizon.

Today's Forecast at a Glance

• High Temperature: 49°F to 51°F
• Low Temperature: 34°F
• Morning Hazard: Potential for freezing drizzle and slick roads before 7:00 a.m.
• Wind: South-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.
• Conditions: Cloudy morning with drizzle, becoming sunny and mild in the afternoon.