MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Frost crackles underfoot this Thursday morning as Minnesota wakes to an air that stings like glass. The Arctic freeze now dominating the upper Midwest has dropped temperatures to near zero across the Twin Cities, with wind chills between -15°F and -25°F expected through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen, the dangerous cold will persist through Friday morning before a fast-moving clipper system sweeps in by midday. That system could bring up to an inch of light snow, mainly affecting commuters Friday afternoon and evening. While totals will stay modest, forecasters warn even a light coating could make I-94, I-35, and Highway 52 slick during rush hour.
Saturday will stay cold, though slightly less brutal, with highs near 17°F and lingering clouds. By Sunday, sunshine returns, but subzero lows continue to bite each morning. The pattern hints at a broader early-December freeze extending well into next week as another round of Arctic air dives south.
Residents should continue winter safety precautions — limit time outdoors, check heaters, and watch for icy spots, especially during early-morning commutes. Drivers are urged to allow extra braking distance and avoid sudden stops on bridges and ramps, where black ice forms fastest.
Five-Day Outlook (Twin Cities Region):
- Friday: High 30°F, snow chance after noon.
- Saturday: High 17°F, partly sunny, breezy.
- Sunday: High 8°F, mostly sunny, dry.
- Monday: High 23°F, chance of flurries late.
- Tuesday: High 28°F, cold with sun returning.
