Bitter Bites and Midnight Dustings: The Twin Cities Brace for a Chilly Tuesday

A Crisp Start to the Day

Minneapolis residents waking up this Tuesday, February 3, 2026, are being greeted by a familiar mid-winter bite. As of the early morning hours, skies remained clear, but the mercury has struggled to climb, sitting at a frigid 6°F. For those heading out for the early commute, the "feels like" temperature is hovering around -3°F due to a persistent northern breeze. Humidity remains relatively high at 75%, adding a damp edge to the morning frost that has settled across the metro area.

Afternoon Outlook: Clouds Move In

As we progress into the afternoon, the clear morning skies are expected to give way to increasing cloud cover. Meteorologists predict a transition to mostly cloudy conditions by midday. While the sun may peek through occasionally during the lunch hour, the heavy cloud deck will prevent any significant warming. The daytime high is projected to reach approximately 18°F to 19°F. While this is a slight improvement from the dawn lows, the lack of direct sunlight will keep the city in a deep freeze. There is a nominal 10% chance of stray flurries during the late afternoon hours, though no accumulation is expected before sunset.

Evening and Overnight Snow Predictions

The real shift in today's weather occurs after dark. As the city settles into the evening, the chance of precipitation increases to 20%. Residents should prepare for light snow showers starting in the late evening and continuing into the overnight hours. While total accumulation is expected to be minimal—likely under half an inch—it may be enough to create slick spots on residential streets and bridges. Temperatures tonight will drop back down to a low of approximately 7°F, ensuring that any moisture that falls will remain in solid form.

Wind and Travel Safety

While there are currently no active wind or rain warnings for the Minneapolis area, the combination of sub-zero wind chills this morning and light overnight snow warrants caution. Visibility may be slightly reduced during the midnight hours as the light snow moves through. As is standard for a Minnesota February, drivers are encouraged to clear all frost and potential snow from their vehicles before hitting the road. Looking ahead, this chilly Tuesday serves as a precursor to a slightly warmer, albeit snowier, Wednesday forecast.