St. Cloud, Minnesota – A prolonged stretch of unusually cold air expected to settle across central Minnesota between Tuesday and Saturday is raising concern for snow and hazardous travel conditions. The developing pattern favors entrenched cold, increasing the likelihood that any systems passing through during this window could produce accumulating snow with limited melting.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, central Minnesota is strongly favored for below-normal temperatures during the January 20–24 period, while precipitation probabilities trend above normal at 40–50%. With cold air firmly established, precipitation is expected to fall primarily as snow, increasing the potential for impactful winter weather across the region.
In St. Cloud and surrounding communities, daytime temperatures are expected to remain well below seasonal norms, with overnight lows dropping sharply. Cold pavement and ground temperatures may allow snow to accumulate quickly and persist between events, increasing the risk for slick roads. Areas west and north of St. Cloud, including portions of Stearns, Benton, and Morrison counties, could see more consistent snow coverage if storm tracks favor central Minnesota.
Major travel routes such as I-94, Highway 10, and Highway 23 could become hazardous during snow periods, particularly overnight and during early morning travel windows. The prolonged cold may also elevate the risk of icy conditions outside of active snowfall, as untreated surfaces remain frozen. Energy demand is expected to increase as heating systems work harder in below-normal temperatures.
Residents are encouraged to prepare ahead of the Jan 20–24 period by checking heating equipment, insulating exposed pipes, and ensuring vehicles are equipped with winter emergency kits. While significant snow is not guaranteed, the evolving pattern supports the potential for at least one impactful winter weather event.
This cold-driven setup is expected to persist through late week, and confidence may increase as individual systems come into clearer focus. Additional winter weather advisories or alerts could be issued as conditions warrant.
