MINNESOTA — Bitter cold is tightening its grip across the Upper Midwest today, and the Twin Cities are at the center of it. The air stings, the breath freezes, and wind chills are plunging to -20°F to -25°F, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors this morning and through early Thursday.
The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for central and southern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, warning that the combination of subzero air temperatures and gusty northwest winds will make it feel brutally cold through Thursday morning. Lows will dip to -10°F or colder in rural areas, with little daytime relief as highs struggle to reach the mid-teens.
By Thursday evening, clouds increase again as a weak disturbance brings a chance for light snow late Thursday into Friday. Accumulations should remain minor — generally under an inch — but slick roads and reduced visibility could develop briefly during the Friday commute.
The weekend remains cold but manageable, with highs near 20°F Saturday and a modest rebound toward the upper 20s by Sunday. Despite the slight warm-up, another Arctic push may return early next week, signaling a long stretch of early-December chill for Minnesota residents.
Drivers should use caution on I-35, I-94, and side roads, where any snow could freeze solid in these extreme temperatures. Limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, and keep emergency kits in vehicles — this kind of cold can turn dangerous fast.
How are you handling the early December freeze? Share your local temps and snow photos below.
5-Day Outlook for Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN (Dec. 3–7):
- Thursday: Increasing clouds, high 16°F, low 11°F.
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 28°F, low 11°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 20°F, low 5°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F, low 3°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F, low 13°F.
