Weather
Minnesota Freeze Alert Oct. 13-17: Lows Could Plunge to 27°
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota and western Wisconsin residents could face widespread frost and freezing temperatures by Saturday morning, October 17, as a colder weather pattern brings rain, gusty winds
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-13T09:28:35.009Z
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota and western Wisconsin residents could face widespread frost and freezing temperatures by Saturday morning, October 17, as a colder weather pattern brings rain, gusty winds and overnight lows potentially dropping into the upper 20s.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, more typical fall temperatures are expected Tuesday, October 13, through Friday night, October 16, before colder air creates the potential for widespread frost and freezing conditions early Saturday.
The approaching temperature drop could affect sensitive outdoor plants, gardens and remaining warm season vegetation across the region.
Rain Expected Thursday Across Southern Minnesota
Tuesday will bring partly to mostly cloudy conditions, with afternoon highs ranging from 52 to 65 degrees. The warmest conditions are expected across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Wednesday, October 14, will feature highs between 56 and 63 degrees, with a 20% chance of rain developing across southern Minnesota late Wednesday night.
By Thursday, October 15, a weather system passing south of the region is expected to bring rainfall from southern Minnesota into western Wisconsin.
Thursday highs should range from 59 to 63 degrees, with overnight lows between 34 and 44 degrees.
Strong Winds and Colder Temperatures Friday
Following Thursday's rainfall, strengthening winds will usher colder air into the Upper Midwest.
Friday, October 16, will bring highs between 52 and 57 degrees, with wind gusts potentially reaching 25 to 35 mph.
Overnight temperatures could fall between 27 and 36 degrees, creating conditions favorable for frost and freezing temperatures by early Saturday morning.
Widespread Frost or Freeze Possible Saturday
The Weather Service indicates that widespread frost or freezing conditions are possible Saturday morning, October 17.
Despite the chilly start, Saturday afternoon temperatures could recover to between 59 and 66 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
Residents across the Minneapolis St. Paul metro, southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin should monitor forecasts for possible frost or freeze advisories and consider protecting vulnerable outdoor plants before Friday night.