Minneapolis, MN – As Christmas season travel gets underway, Minnesota is bracing for some of the coldest conditions of the season as an Arctic blast brings snow, high winds, and subzero temperatures through the weekend. Forecasts show morning lows dipping below zero across much of the state, with wind chills plunging as low as –25°F in northern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro feeling like the single digits below zero.
The system, which has spread bitter cold across the entire U.S., has reached as far south as Florida — where Freeze Warnings were issued Friday morning. For Minnesota, this Arctic outbreak is a sharp reminder that extreme cold can be just as dangerous as snow when it comes to travel safety.
State transportation and emergency officials are urging motorists to take extra precautions before heading out for Christmas season trips. Every vehicle should carry a winter survival kit containing bottled water, snacks, blankets, gloves, a flashlight, and jumper cables. A shovel, traction aids like cat litter or sand, and extra warm clothing are vital for drivers traveling long distances. Keeping a full tank of gas and a charged phone are also key to staying safe if stranded.
Interstates I-94, I-35, and I-90 are expected to experience snow bursts and patches of ice throughout the weekend. Authorities advise checking weather reports before travel, slowing down, and allowing extra time, especially during overnight hours when conditions worsen.
As Arctic air grips the Midwest and Christmas travel peaks, preparation remains every Minnesotan’s best defense. A well-stocked vehicle and a few extra minutes of planning could be the difference between a safe trip home and a dangerous roadside emergency.
