Minneapolis

Minneapolis Braces for Bone-Chilling Week, Sunny Days and Sub-Zero Nights Ahead

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Published on January 03, 2025
Minneapolis Braces for Bone-Chilling Week, Sunny Days and Sub-Zero Nights AheadSource: Michael Hicks, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Minneapolis residents should brace for a cold week ahead, as the latest weather forecasts predict a mix of mostly sunny days with some clouds and chilly nights that will dip into sub-zero temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, today in Minneapolis will be mostly sunny with a high near 13 degrees. The northwest wind, blowing between 10 to 15 mph, may add a bit of bite to the air, so it's wise for those venturing out to bundle up accordingly.

Tonight's temperatures are projected to plummet to around 0 degrees, with wind chill values making it feel as low as -12 degrees. In such conditions, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia increases significantly, localized shelters are preparing for higher numbers, seeking to ensure that those without homes can find respite from the harsh chill. As the northwest wind maintains a pace of 5 to 10 mph, wearing layers and limiting outdoor activity during the coldest periods remains essential.

The weekend won't offer much reprieve from the frigid air, as the forecast from the National Weather Service suggests that Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 12 degrees and similar wind chill readings to Friday. Saturday night's low will hover around 1 degree, again capable of reaching wind chill values as low as -11 degrees.

Sunday's outlook promises partly sunny skies, and a high near 12 degrees with the north northwest wind, flowing at 5 to 10 mph. As the week progresses, temperatures will slightly increase; Monday's high is expected to reach 16 degrees. However, residents should be prepared for mostly cloudy nights, especially on Monday and Tuesday evenings, where the lows are anticipated to stay around 5 degrees. Throughout this span, light winds from the north-northwest will persist, providing a slight plunge in felt temperatures without creating major disturbances.

The sunny pattern will continue into mid-week with Tuesday and Wednesday showing highs near 13 and 9 degrees, respectively, while nights will remain cold enough to justify precautions against the cold. A slight shift in the wind is expected on Wednesday evening, turning from northwest to south-southwest after midnight, which could indicate the beginning of a slow and modest warm-up. Thursday will be partly sunny, with a high near 15 degrees, providing a modest respite from the earlier chill of the week.

In sum, Minneapolis is in for a string of winter days that are mostly clear but cold, with nighttime temperatures serving as a reminder that winter is in full swing. Local authorities urge residents to stay warm, check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, and to keep pets indoors during extreme temperatures.