Minneapolis Basks in Springlike Sunday Before Rainy Midweek

Sunny skies and mild temperatures give way to rain, wind, and potential snow later this week.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Minneapolis residents enjoyed a sunny and unseasonably warm Sunday with highs around 51°F, but the pleasant weather is expected to be short-lived. A larger weather system is set to move in on Tuesday, bringing gusty east winds, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of a transition to wet snow for areas north of the Twin Cities.

Why it matters

The rapid warmup and snowmelt will create hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks, with potholes, soft shoulders, and slushy areas posing risks for drivers and pedestrians. The midweek storm could also disrupt travel and outdoor plans for residents.

The details

Sunday's sunny skies and mild temperatures, with a high near 51°F, are expected to give way to increasing cloud cover and rain chances starting Tuesday. The heaviest rainfall is likely Tuesday night into Wednesday, with new rainfall amounts of around a quarter to a half inch possible. Gusty east-southeast winds up to 30 mph are also expected. Areas north of the Twin Cities could see a band of heavier, wet snow depending on the exact storm track.

  • Sunday, February 16, 2026: Sunny skies and highs around 51°F.
  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026: Rain chances ramp up after midday, with light rain lingering into Wednesday.
  • Tuesday night into Wednesday: Strongest precipitation expected, with potential for wet snow north of the Twin Cities.

The players

National Weather Service Twin Cities

The local office of the National Weather Service, which provides weather forecasts and updates for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service Twin Cities will continue to monitor the developing weather system and issue any necessary watches, warnings, or advisories as the week progresses.

The takeaway

Minneapolis residents should enjoy the mild and sunny Sunday while it lasts, as a shift to more unsettled weather with rain, wind, and potential snow is expected to arrive by midweek. Drivers and pedestrians should be cautious of hazardous road and sidewalk conditions caused by the rapid snowmelt.