Weather
Minnesota Weather Alert: 90% Rain Chance, Frost Risk Oct 15-17
Minneapolis, MN – Chilly air settling over the Twin Cities could bring areas of frost early Saturday, Oct. 17, as temperatures fall toward 35 degrees following a stretch of rain and gusty winds. The a
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-15T08:03:32.429Z
Minneapolis, MN – Chilly air settling over the Twin Cities could bring areas of frost early Saturday, Oct. 17, as temperatures fall toward 35 degrees following a stretch of rain and gusty winds. The approaching change will create a brief period of colder overnight conditions before sunshine and warmer temperatures return Sunday. Residents with sensitive outdoor plants, gardens or late season vegetation may need to take precautions Friday night, particularly in colder neighborhoods and exposed locations around Minneapolis and surrounding Hennepin County communities.
According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, Friday will bring a high near 52 degrees before temperatures drop sharply after sunset. Areas of frost are expected to develop after 3 a.m. Saturday, with mostly clear skies and northwest winds gradually becoming calm. The forecast low near 35 degrees is above freezing, but frost can still form on exposed surfaces when temperatures near the ground fall below the official air temperature.
Friday Night Brings Frost Risk Before Sunrise The coldest conditions are expected during the early morning hours Saturday, when clearing skies and weakening winds allow temperatures to fall. The National Weather Service specifically identifies areas of frost after 3 a.m. Friday night and before 8 a.m. Saturday, making this the most important period for residents protecting vulnerable vegetation.
While the Minneapolis forecast calls for a low near 35 degrees, temperatures can vary between neighborhoods, open fields and surrounding suburban locations. Areas outside the urban core may experience different conditions, and residents should monitor local forecasts for changes in frost coverage.
Friday's weather will also feature gusty winds as north winds increase to 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 35 mph. A 30% chance of showers remains before 7 a.m., followed by cloudy skies through midmorning and gradual clearing later in the day.
The combination of gusty conditions and cooler temperatures could make Friday's outdoor activities feel considerably colder than recent afternoons. Residents traveling along Interstate 35W, Interstate 94 and Interstate 394 may notice stronger crosswinds in exposed areas, although the supplied forecast does not identify significant travel disruptions.
Rain Moves Out Before the Weekend Cooldown Thursday, Oct. 15, will bring widespread showers to Minneapolis, with a 90% precipitation probability and an afternoon high near 54 degrees. Rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are possible during the day, followed by additional shower chances Thursday night.
The precipitation probability decreases to 40% Thursday night as northwest winds increase to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph. Temperatures are expected to fall near 43 degrees before Friday's cooler and breezier conditions arrive.
Wet pavement could affect Thursday's commute across Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding communities, particularly during periods of steadier rainfall. Drivers should allow additional following distance and watch for changing visibility during showers.
However, the available forecast does not indicate accumulating snow, freezing rain or a widespread ice threat. Friday night's frost risk primarily concerns exposed vegetation rather than confirmed hazardous roadway conditions.
Sunshine and Warmer Temperatures Return Sunday Saturday, Oct. 17, brings a noticeable improvement after the chilly morning. Areas of frost should give way to sunny skies, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 60 degrees. South southwest winds of 5 to 15 mph could produce gusts reaching 30 mph.
Saturday night remains clear, with temperatures falling near 45 degrees. South southwest winds around 15 mph may continue producing gusts as high as 30 mph, limiting the overnight cooldown compared with Friday night.
Sunday, Oct. 18, is expected to bring sunshine and a high near 66 degrees, creating a considerably warmer afternoon for outdoor activities across the Twin Cities. South southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust to 25 mph.
The warming trend continues into Monday and Tuesday, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 60s. By Wednesday, temperatures could climb near 70 degrees, with only a slight chance of showers.
For Minneapolis residents, the primary concern remains the potential for frost early Saturday before warmer weather returns.
Are you planning to cover outdoor plants or gardens ahead of Saturday morning's frost risk?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are expected with a 90% precipitation chance and a high near 54 degrees, followed by a 40% chance of additional showers Thursday night, northwest wind gusts up to 25 mph and a low near 43 degrees.
Friday 10/16: A 30% chance of early showers gives way to gradually clearing skies, with a high near 52 degrees and north wind gusts reaching 35 mph, followed by clear skies, frost after 3 a.m. and a low around 35 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Areas of frost are expected before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine and an afternoon high near 60 degrees, with south southwest wind gusts reaching 30 mph before a clear night and temperatures falling to approximately 45 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies bring an afternoon high near 66 degrees, with south southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph, followed by mostly clear conditions and an overnight low around 46 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunshine continues with an afternoon high near 67 degrees and light winds becoming east southeast around 5 mph, followed by mostly clear skies and an overnight low near 46 degrees as the warming trend continues.
Extended Weather Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, is expected to bring sunny skies and an afternoon high near 69 degrees, with southeast winds increasing to 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday night should remain mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 51 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, brings mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 70 degrees. A 20% chance of showers is included in the forecast, with south winds of 5 to 10 mph.
The available outlook indicates that Saturday morning's frost risk will be followed by a gradual warming trend, with daytime temperatures recovering into the upper 60s and near 70 degrees by the middle of next week.