Minneapolis, MN – A sharp and prolonged cold outbreak will take hold across the Upper Midwest starting Thursday, April 30, driving temperatures as much as 60% to 70% below normal and immediately impacting travel along I-94, I-35, and I-90 during early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service, the core of this unusually cold air mass will settle over Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota through Tuesday, May 6. Highs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Fargo, Sioux Falls, and Milwaukee will struggle to reach the low to mid-40s, while overnight lows plunge into the upper 20s to low 30s, cold enough for widespread frost and isolated freezes.
Morning commuters will face the greatest disruptions, especially along I-94 between Minneapolis and Milwaukee and I-35 from Duluth to Des Moines. While precipitation trends lean below normal, occasional light rain or drizzle could create slick spots and reduced visibility during peak travel times.
Agricultural impacts will be significant across rural Minnesota, the Dakotas, and western Wisconsin, where multiple nights of near- or below-freezing temperatures threaten early planting and sensitive crops. Residents are urged to cover vegetation and prepare for conditions more typical of late winter than early May.
Utilities across the region may see a spike in demand as heating systems run continuously during overnight and early morning hours. Gusty winds across open plains areas will add to the chill, particularly for high-profile vehicles on north-south routes like I-29 and I-35.
This colder-than-normal pattern is expected to persist through May 6, with only gradual moderation beyond that window. Additional updates may refine freeze risk and any travel impacts as the system evolves.
