Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota will face some of the most severe cold in the nation as an intense Arctic Blast spreads across the Upper Midwest from Monday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 5, setting up a brutally cold Cold December pattern with frequent snow showers, below-zero temperatures, and dangerous subzero wind chills.
According to the National Weather Service, early-week disturbances associated with the Arctic front will bring light snow and flurries, with localized bursts of heavier snow across central and northern Minnesota. While widespread heavy accumulation isn’t expected, repeated rounds of snow showers may create slick roads and low visibility, especially during commutes.
Temperatures will drop into the single digits and below zero, with northern Minnesota likely experiencing the deepest cold. Forecasters warn that wind chills may plunge between –20°F and –35°F, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro may see wind chills ranging from –10°F to –25°F, especially during the early-morning hours Tuesday through Thursday.
NOAA’s 6–10 Day Temperature Outlook places Minnesota inside one of the strongest below-normal cold anomalies in the country for Dec. 1–5, reflecting the magnitude of this early-season Arctic surge. Persistent northwest winds will continue to support ongoing snow showers in parts of the state.
While no major winter storm is forecast at this time, forecasters urge residents to be prepared for extreme cold, icy travel, and hazardous wind chills, especially in rural and northern regions.
