Honestly, if you haven’t lived through a January in Stearns County, it’s hard to explain the specific kind of "cold" we're talking about. It isn’t just a number on a screen. It’s a physical weight. Right now, the weather for melrose mn is putting on a masterclass in Upper Midwest survival.
As of midday Sunday, January 18, 2026, we are sitting at a crisp 10°F. But that’s the polite version of the story. With a northwest wind cutting through at 19 mph, the "feels like" temperature has cratered to -10°F. If you’re heading out to the Sauk River Park or just grabbing coffee, that wind is the real protagonist. It's cloudy, gray, and carries that heavy 76% humidity that makes the air feel thick and biting.
The Reality of Living with Weather for Melrose MN
Most people looking at a map see Melrose as just another spot on I-94 between St. Cloud and Alexandria. But the geography here—basically flat prairie land transitioned into river valley—creates a wind tunnel effect that can turn a "chilly" day into a bone-chilling event.
Today’s forecast doesn't offer much of a reprieve. We’re looking at a high of only 11°F, and once the sun goes down, things get genuinely serious. The low is expected to hit -8°F. When you factor in the wind, which could shift west and kick up to 22 mph, we’re talking about sub-zero territory that stays there.
Current Conditions Breakdown (Jan 18, 2026)
- Temperature: 10°F (High of 11°F / Low of -8°F)
- Wind Chill: -10°F
- Wind: 19 mph from the Northwest
- Precipitation: 10% chance of snow right now, jumping to 25% for light snow later today.
- Humidity: 76%
You’ve probably noticed the light snow starting to drift. It’s not a blizzard—at least not yet—but with a 25% chance of light snow during the day and those gusty winds, visibility on the highway is going to be hit or miss. It's that fine, sugary snow that likes to swirl across the asphalt and hide black ice.
Why Our Winters Feel Different
There’s a misconception that all Minnesota cold is the same. It isn't. Melrose sits in a transition zone. According to the Minnesota State Climatology Office, we don't get the "warm" buffer that Lake Superior gives the North Shore. We also don't get the slight urban heat island effect that Minneapolis enjoys.
We are exposed.
Historically, January 15th is statistically the coldest day of the year for us, with average lows around 5°F. We are currently trending even colder than those averages. When the National Weather Service issues a Winter Weather Advisory or a Cold Weather Advisory for our area, like they have for this evening, it’s usually because of the combination of light accumulation and high-velocity winds. Tonight, specifically, the clouds will break a bit to "partly cloudy," but that lack of cloud cover acts like pulling the blanket off a bed—the heat just escapes into space, which is why we're hitting that -8°F mark.
Surviving the "Melrose Tunnel"
Basically, the wind is your biggest enemy here. A 20 mph wind at 10°F is a completely different animal than a 5 mph wind at the same temperature.
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- Vehicle Prep: If you’re driving, make sure your washer fluid is the -20°F or -30°F rated stuff. The cheap blue stuff will freeze on your windshield the second the wind hits it at 60 mph.
- Skin Exposure: At a -10°F wind chill, frostbite can start on exposed skin in about 30 minutes. It sounds dramatic, but if you’re changing a tire or waiting for a bus, it happens faster than you think.
- Humidity Factor: That 76% humidity is high for winter. It means the air is holding a lot of moisture, which pulls heat away from your body faster than dry air would.
Looking ahead, the light snow should taper off by tonight (down to a 10% chance), but the wind won't quit. We’re in for a windy, partly cloudy night that will test your home's insulation and your car's battery.
If you're planning your week, keep an eye on the wind direction. Northwest winds almost always bring the "Arctic air" dumps, while a shift to the south usually signals a brief "warm-up" (which, in Melrose in January, usually just means it might hit 25°F). For now, stay inside, keep the salt handy for the driveway, and maybe wait until Tuesday to do any major traveling if you can help it.
Next Steps for Melrose Residents:
Check your outdoor vents (dryer and furnace) to ensure they aren't being blocked by drifting snow from these northwest winds. High-efficiency furnaces can shut down if the intake or exhaust pipes get iced over or covered by a drift, which is a headache you don't want when it's -8°F outside.