Honestly, if you’ve lived in Central Minnesota for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the 10 day weather St Cloud MN forecast, see a number like 7°F, and think, "Hey, at least it’s not negative twenty." But there is a lot more moving under the hood of this week’s outlook than just a few shivering digits.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, we are sitting in a classic January "clipping" pattern. The current temp is a crisp 7°F, but with that northwest wind kicking at 17 mph, the "feels like" is hanging out at a much more aggressive -11°F. It’s the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step out of the Coborn's.
The Immediate Breakdown: Snow and Shivers
The next few days are basically a masterclass in Minnesota winter variability. Today, we’re looking at a high of 7°F with some light snow. It isn’t a blizzard, but with a 20% to 25% chance of flakes throughout the day and night, the roads might get that annoying greasy glaze.
Sunday, January 18, brings a bit of a "warm" spike to 14°F, though "warm" is doing a lot of heavy lifting there. We’ve got a 35% chance of snow during the day. If you’re planning on hitting the Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend—which is running through Monday—Sunday might be your best bet for slightly more tolerable air, even if the wind shifts to the west at 20 mph.
The 10 Day Weather St Cloud MN Outlook at a Glance
If you're trying to plan your week, here is the raw data you need to know:
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- Monday, Jan 19 (MLK Day): High of 1°F, low of -8°F. Clear skies at night, but that daytime air is going to be biting.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: A brief rebound to 15°F with light snow and snow showers.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High of 13°F, but watch out for the 19 mph northwest winds making it feel much colder.
- Thursday, Jan 22: 11°F with more snow showers. Basically, keep the shovel by the door.
- Friday, Jan 23: This is where it gets real. We drop to a high of -3°F and a low of -12°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Staying sub-zero for the high at -2°F, and a low of -13°F.
Why This Forecast is Weirdly Important Right Now
There’s a lot going on in the Granite City besides the cold. St. Cloud State University economist King Banaian recently moved our local "economic dashboard" to a yellow light. People are staying in more. Between the biting 10 day weather St Cloud MN forecast and some of the local social tensions—like the recent ICE activity at the Star City Mall—the vibe downtown is a bit cautious.
But St. Cloud residents are nothing if not resilient. Even when it’s -3°F on Friday, people will still be heading to the Beaver Island Brewing Co. to warm up or taking advantage of the free park entry on Monday for MLK Day.
Nuance Matters: The "Real" Temperature vs. The Number
When you look at Tuesday's high of 15°F, it looks like a reprieve. But look at the wind. We’re seeing a shift to the southwest at only 6 mph. That’s actually a "soft" day for us. Compare that to Wednesday, where the high is 13°F but the wind jumps to 19 mph from the northwest.
That 2-degree difference in the "real" temp doesn't matter nearly as much as that 13 mph difference in wind speed. Wednesday is going to feel significantly more dangerous for exposed skin than Tuesday, even though the thermometer says they're almost the same.
Survival Tips for the Deep Freeze
- Check your tires now. When we hit that -13°F low next Saturday, your tire pressure is going to scream. Fill 'em up while it's still "warm" today.
- Humidity is high. We’re seeing humidity levels between 67% and 75% all week. That "wet" cold settles into your bones way faster than a dry arctic blast. Layers are non-negotiable.
- Ice Safety. The DNR is saying ice formation has been good this year, but with the snow showers predicted for Tuesday and Thursday, thin spots can get covered up. If you're heading to Lake George or out to Pleasant Lake, bring a spud bar.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
By the time we hit Monday, January 26, we might see a slight recovery back to 5°F. It’s not a heatwave, but after two days of sub-zero highs, it’ll feel like spring.
The biggest thing to watch is the snow chance on Sunday, January 25. Right now, it’s a 35% chance of a more steady snow. If that system tracks a bit further north, we could be looking at the first real "accumulation" event of the month, rather than just the "showers" we've been seeing.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you have outdoor plans for the MLK Community Celebration events this weekend, aim for the indoor portions on Monday, as that high of 1°F is going to be brutal for anyone standing still. For the Saturday basketball game at SCSU, remember that a non-perishable food donation gets you in free—and it's a great way to stay warm while supporting the community. Check your antifreeze levels today before the Friday plunge hits -12°F.