Minnesota – Exhaust hangs in the air this morning as engines idle longer and breath freezes instantly. The cold feels sharp and unforgiving across the Twin Cities, where temperatures sit below zero and wind chills bite even harder.
According to the National Weather Service, air temperatures hover near minus 2 degrees early, with wind chills dipping to around minus 15. The cold remains the dominant story through the day, despite bright sunshine. Afternoon highs struggle to reach the single digits, offering little relief for anyone outdoors.
Travel impacts remain limited for now, but the cold creates hidden risks. Exposed skin can freeze quickly, and car batteries weaken fast in these conditions. Drivers should allow extra warm-up time and keep winter emergency kits handy, especially along I-94, I-35W, and Highway 62.
The pattern stays dry and cold into Friday. Overnight lows fall back below zero, and daytime highs barely reach the lower teens. To be fair, winds ease slightly, but the air mass remains locked in place. Saturday brings a modest temperature bump, with highs nearing the upper teens under sunshine.
Attention then turns to Sunday. Clouds thicken overnight, and snow becomes increasingly likely by late morning. Light to moderate snowfall could develop before noon, potentially affecting weekend travel across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. While exact totals remain uncertain, even light snow can cause slick roads after days of extreme cold.
Behind the snow, temperatures edge closer to normal early next week. Highs climb into the 20s by Monday and Tuesday, though additional light snow chances linger at times. Flash-freeze conditions remain possible where snow melts slightly during the day and refreezes after sunset.
This cold snap reflects a broader winter lock across the Upper Midwest, fueled by Arctic air and a frozen Great Lakes region.
Seeing snowflakes yet, or just feeling the cold deepen? Share what conditions look like where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
- Today: Sunny and frigid. High near 8.
- Friday: Sunny, very cold. High near 10.
- Saturday: Sunny and cold. High near 17.
- Sunday: Snow likely by midday. High near 28.
- Monday: Partly sunny and milder. High near 24.
