You think you know Minneapolis in January. A frozen wasteland? Basically. But honestly, this month has been a total mood swing. One day you’re walking around in 40-degree weather thinking the winter is broken, and the next, the air literally hurts your face.
Right now, if you step outside in Minneapolis, it is 1°F. It’s nighttime, cloudy, and the wind is coming out of the south at about 5 mph. That sounds manageable until you realize the wind chill has the "feels like" temperature sitting at a bitter -9°F.
It’s that classic Minnesota bait-and-switch.
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The immediate weather forecast in minneapolis
If you’re planning your Sunday, January 18, keep the heavy parka by the door. We’re looking at a high of 13°F, which feels like a luxury compared to the overnight lows, but don’t get too comfortable. There is a 51% chance of light snow during the day. It’s not going to be a blizzard, but with 17 mph winds gusting from the southwest, it’ll be that annoying, sideways-drifting snow that makes driving a chore.
By Sunday night, things clear up a bit with periodic clouds, but the mercury drops to -4°F.
Monday is when the "polar" part of the North Star State really shows up. We’re talking a high of only 3°F. Even with the sun out, it’s going to be one of those days where you see the sun and think it looks warm, but the air is actually sharp. The low will bottom out around -5°F.
Why the "warm" start to January was a lie
Earlier this month, we were hitting the 30s and even low 40s. On January 12th, it was actually 43°F. People were probably out in hoodies at the Sculpture Garden. But climatologists at the University of Minnesota and the National Weather Service have been watching a weak La Niña transition into a neutral phase.
This transition is why the weather is so chaotic right now.
Weak La Niña years usually mean colder-than-average temperatures for us, and about 77% of the time, that holds true. We had our fun with the "mild" days, but the bill is coming due this week.
Looking at the week ahead
Tuesday, January 20, brings another round of light snow. Expect a high of 12°F and a low of -3°F. It’s a repetitive cycle of "cold" and "colder."
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Wednesday might be the "warmest" day of the work week, hitting 20°F. But it comes with a price: more snow showers. If you’re commuting on I-35W or I-94, Wednesday afternoon could be a mess with a 25% chance of accumulation.
The real kicker comes toward the weekend of January 24-25. Forecasts show the high temperature might actually stay below zero on Saturday, potentially hitting -5°F as a high. Sunday isn't much better, struggling to reach 0°F with a 35% chance of snow.
Surviving the Twin Cities deep freeze
People talk about "Minnesota Nice," but "Minnesota Prepared" is more accurate. When the weather forecast in minneapolis starts showing these negative double-digit wind chills, your lifestyle has to shift.
It’s not just about boots. It’s about the humidity. Right now, it’s at 70%. That high humidity makes the cold feel "wet" and "heavy," which is why -9°F feels so much more draining than a dry cold in the mountains.
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- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low tire" light hasn't come on yet, it probably will by Monday morning.
- Layering is a science. It’s not one big coat; it’s the base layer. If you aren't wearing wool or synthetic wicking fabrics right now, you’re going to be miserable the second you start sweating in a store.
- Watch the skies. We have a chance for the Northern Lights through January 18. A high-speed solar wind stream is hitting Earth, and Minnesota is one of the 15 states where the aurora might be visible. If the clouds break Sunday night, look north.
Honestly, the weather forecast in minneapolis for the rest of January looks like a test of endurance. We’re moving into the "frigid" phase of winter where the snow doesn't melt—it just gets packed down into that permanent layer of grey city ice.
Next steps for your week:
Prepare for a significant temperature drop starting Monday. Ensure your vehicle has an emergency kit with blankets and a shovel, as the combination of sub-zero wind chills and light snow on Tuesday and Wednesday will make roadside issues dangerous. If you're planning outdoor activities, Sunday morning is your last window for "manageable" cold before the deeper freeze settles in through next weekend.