Minneapolis is about to get a reality check. Honestly, if you've lived here long enough, you know the drill, but Sunday, January 18, 2026, is shaping up to be one of those days where the air literally hurts your face. We aren't just talking about a little dusting of snow; we're looking at a combination of falling powder and a brutal temperature drop that’ll make you want to stay under the covers until May.
Basically, a fast-moving clipper system is sliding through. It’s bringing about 1 to 2 inches of fresh snow during the day. That doesn't sound like much—until you factor in the 17 mph west winds. Those gusts are going to whip that light, fluffy snow across the roads, so if you're planning a Target run or heading to a game, expect some "whiteout-lite" moments.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Tomorrow’s high is 12°F. Sounds almost tropical compared to what’s coming next, right?
Once the sun goes down, the bottom drops out. We’re hitting a low of -10°F. But here’s the kicker: the National Weather Service is warning that wind chills are going to crater between -20°F and -30°F by Sunday night. At those temperatures, frostbite can start setting in on exposed skin in about 30 minutes.
The humidity is hanging high at 83%, which usually makes the cold feel "heavy" and damp. It’s that kind of cold that finds the gaps in your coat sleeves and makes your bones ache.
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Why This Isn't Just "Another Winter Day"
We’ve had some weird weather lately. Remember that record-breaking rain on January 8th? We saw over 2 inches of rain in some spots, which is totally bonkers for January in the Twin Cities. But that warmth is long gone.
Now, we’re dealing with a Cold Weather Advisory starting at 9:00 PM Sunday. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a heads-up that the "dangerous cold" phase of winter has officially arrived.
- Daytime: Snow likely (35% chance). High of 12°F.
- Winds: Constant 17 mph from the west, making it feel much colder.
- Nighttime: Clouds break up a bit, but the mercury plunges to -10°F.
Driving is gonna be a mess. Even with just an inch or two of snow, the wind is the real villain here. Reduced visibility and drifting are a given, especially on north-south roads like I-35W or 169. MnDOT is already keeping a close eye on blowing snow conditions across the western half of the state, and that's going to bleed into the metro by tomorrow afternoon.
How to Actually Survive Sunday
First, check your car kit. If you don't have a real blanket (not a thin fleece one) and some extra gloves in the trunk, go put them there now. If you slide into a ditch in -25°F wind chill, waiting for a tow truck becomes a survival situation pretty fast.
Make sure your pets are in. Short walks only. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a sweatshirt, it’s too cold for their paws.
Honestly, the best move for tomorrow is to get your errands done early before the wind really starts howling. Once that sun sets and the Arctic air settles in, you’ll want to be inside with the heat cranked.
Actionable Steps for Sunday:
- Seal the gaps: Check your front door and windows for drafts today; that -30 wind chill will find every leak.
- Fuel up: Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up and give you some idle time if you get stuck.
- Layering 101: Don't just wear a big coat. Use a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a wind-blocking shell.
- Commute early: If you have to travel, aim for Sunday morning before the 35% snow chance peaks in the afternoon.