Weather
Minnesota Weather Alert: 85° Warmth Gives Way to Freezing Temps Oct 16
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Residents across Minnesota and western Wisconsin are facing a dramatic return to fall weather this week, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing Friday night, October 1
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-12T09:30:38.422Z
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Residents across Minnesota and western Wisconsin are facing a dramatic return to fall weather this week, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing Friday night, October 16, after afternoon highs reach as warm as 85 degrees Monday.
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities office, the unusually warm conditions experienced over the weekend will give way to cooler temperatures, scattered rain chances and the possibility of frost or freezing conditions by the end of the workweek.
Warm Monday Before Temperatures Drop
Monday, October 12, will bring highs ranging from 70 to 85 degrees across the forecast region.
Scattered showers are possible during the afternoon and evening, primarily across central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
Overnight lows are expected to fall between 45 and 55 degrees.
By Tuesday, October 13, cooler air will spread across the region, with afternoon temperatures dropping into the 55 to 70 degree range. Western Minnesota is expected to experience some of the coolest conditions.
Another Round of Rain Arrives Thursday
Wednesday, October 14, should bring mostly sunny skies, with highs between 55 and 65 degrees.
Rain chances return Thursday, October 15, with showers most likely across southern Minnesota.
Temperatures Thursday are forecast to reach only 56 to 62 degrees, while overnight lows fall into the 35 to 45 degree range.
Freezing Temperatures Possible Friday Night
The most significant change arrives Friday, October 16, as afternoon highs struggle to reach 50 to 55 degrees.
Mostly sunny skies are expected during the day, but nighttime temperatures could fall between 28 and 35 degrees.
Those readings would place some communities below the freezing mark of 32 degrees, potentially affecting sensitive outdoor plants and gardens.
Residents across the Twin Cities, southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin should monitor updated forecasts for potential frost or freeze advisories.
Gardeners may want to prepare to protect vulnerable vegetation as colder overnight temperatures approach.