MINNEAPOLIS — After balmy weather for most of Thanksgiving day, parts of Minnesota are seeing temperatures drop as much as 30 degrees.

Temperatures that started in the 60s Thursday dipped into the 30s by late afternoon. Rain, sleet and snow have begun falling in parts of the metro.

Albert Lea reached 59 degrees by noon Thursday. The mercury dropped to 36 with 18 mph winds by the time Walmart kicked off Black Friday sales at 8 p.m. It was 28 degrees by midnight and 16 degrees by 8 a.m. today.

A light snow fell during the Albert Lea morning commute, too.

The State Patrol said areas in the northwest, central and west-central parts of the state are seeing slippery spots and blowing snow. Drivers are being cautioned to watch for icy spots on bridges and overpasses.

Troopers have already responded to a number of vehicles that slid off the roadway on I-94 near Fergus Falls.

Meteorologists say temperatures are expected to drop even further Friday, with highs in the upper 20s.

— Albert Lea Tribune and Associated Press