An Arctic air mass pushed across Minnesota overnight, bringing freezing temperatures to Albert Lea and Austin.

Albert Leans awoke to snow gracing the ground this morning, though not enough to completely cover it up. Streets were white and slippery. Plows cleared arterial streets before the morning commute.

The automated weather observer at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport reports that light snow fell from about 9 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m.

The National Weather Service says the Arctic air mass is bringing the coldest weather so far this season to the central and eastern United States. It is expected to last through the weekend, dropping temperatures to the single digits and teens.

The low tonight in Albert Lea is forecast at 8 degrees and on Saturday night at 1 degree, the weather service says. The outdoors will be warmer Monday, as the mercury is expected to reach 34 degrees.

The cold weather comes as people prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.