Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Upper Midwest moves into the Feb 5–9 stretch under a quieter but divided weather pattern, with limited chances for snow or rain but notable differences in temperature across the region. While parts of the northern Upper Midwest remain locked in colder-than-normal air, areas farther south and west trend milder, reducing the risk of disruptive winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA outlooks, colder-than-average air continues to hold across Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, while above-normal temperatures expand across Iowa, Nebraska, and parts of the central Plains. This places the Upper Midwest along a sharp temperature gradient, with storm systems largely missing the region and keeping precipitation chances low.
In Minneapolis and across much of Minnesota, daytime highs are expected to remain below seasonal averages, with cold mornings and limited moderation during the afternoon. Farther south, including Des Moines and much of Iowa, temperatures are expected to run near to above normal, offering a noticeable break from recent cold spells. Wisconsin and the Dakotas fall in between, with fluctuating temperatures but little in the way of widespread snow.
The quieter pattern contrasts with recent weeks of dangerous cold across the South and East, where nearly 100 temperature-related deaths have been reported. Even without major storms, officials across the Upper Midwest urge residents to remain cautious during cold mornings, dress appropriately, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Limited precipitation and the split temperature pattern are expected to persist through the period, with few changes anticipated before the following week.
