Snow is basically the state personality of Minnesota. Honestly, if you live in Minneapolis, you aren’t just checking the forecast—you’re participating in a high-stakes guessing game that involves parkas, salt bags, and a lot of collective sighing.
When Will It Snow Minneapolis? The Short Answer
If you’re looking at your window right now on this Friday, January 16, 2026, the answer is: literally today. We are currently sitting in the middle of a light snow event. Right now, it's 30°F with light snow showers and a biting 8 mph wind coming from the west. If you were hoping for a clear commute, it’s probably not happening. Today’s high is hovering around 29°F, and we’re expecting those snow showers to stick around through both the day and night.
But "when will it snow" in a place like the Twin Cities is never just about today. It's about the rhythm of the season.
The Current 2026 Forecast Breakdown
We are entering a pretty active stretch. If you missed the flakes this morning, don't worry—or do worry, depending on how much you hate shoveling.
- Saturday, January 17: More snow showers. The temperature is going to tank, hitting a high of only 8°F. That’s the kind of cold that makes the snow feel like sand.
- Sunday, January 18: This looks like the main event for the week. We have a 35% chance of steady snow during the day.
- Late January Outlook: The long-range models, specifically the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, are whispering about a "mother lode" of cold air and potential snowy periods between January 24 and 25.
Basically, the faucet is on.
The "First Snow" Myth
People always ask when the first snow happens, and honestly, the "average" date of November 4 or 5 is a bit of a lie. Minnesota weather doesn't care about averages.
I’ve seen it dump a foot of snow in October (the legendary 1991 Halloween Blizzard is still the only thing Gen X Minnesotans talk about at parties). Then again, we’ve had years where we didn’t see a single measurable inch until January. In 2005, the first "real" snow didn't show up until January 21.
That’s the nuance of living here. You’ve gotta be ready by mid-October, but you might be waiting until New Year's Day to actually use the snowblower.
Why 2026 Feels Different
We’re currently dealing with a La Niña influence, though it’s transitioning to "neutral" as we speak. Typically, La Niña means we get hit with more frequent, smaller snow events rather than one massive 20-inch "Snowmageddon."
It’s the "waves" that get you. The National Weather Service has been tracking these polar plunges that spill into the Midwest. We are currently in the second wave. The third wave, which is slated for later next week, is looking like the harshest one yet. We’re talking subzero lows that could hit -10°F or -20°F. When it’s that cold, the snow doesn't even melt on the roads when the sun comes out. It just turns into a permanent glaze of "black ice."
How to Actually Prepare (Actionable Steps)
Knowing when it will snow is only half the battle. You’ve gotta know what to do when the flakes start flying.
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: Today it's 30°F, but it feels like 23°F because of the humidity and wind. Always dress for the "feels like" number.
- Salt Early: If you’re in Minneapolis, get your salt or sand down before the Sunday system hits. Once the temp drops to the single digits on Saturday, standard rock salt stops working effectively.
- The "Winter Survival Kit" is Real: If you’re driving out of the metro area toward St. Cloud or Rochester during these snow showers, keep a blanket and a portable charger in the car. Visibility can drop to 1/4 mile in a heartbeat during these January squalls.
- Watch the Wind: We’re looking at 17-18 mph winds this weekend. That means even if we only get an inch of snow, the "drifting" will make your driveway look like we got four.
The reality of when will it snow Minneapolis is that it’s happening now, it’s happening Sunday, and it’s probably going to keep happening in small, annoying bursts for the next two weeks.
Keep your shovel by the door. You’re gonna need it.
