The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen, MN, issued multiple weather advisories impacting the region, including a Hazardous Weather Outlook and a Cold Weather Advisory valid through the weekend. Today’s forecast for Minneapolis calls for snow and freezing rain tapering to light flurries later in the day, with temperatures expected to reach only a high of 19 degrees, as reported by the National Weather Service.
The temperatures tonight will plummet significantly, hitting a chilling low around -6, with a treacherous wind chill sinking as low as -25. A light snow that could affect the morning commute was also reported, underscoring the onset of treacherous travel conditions for the region's residents venturing out in the early hours. As stated by the NWS Cold Weather Advisory, "Light snow accumulations of around 0.5" and periods of patchy freezing drizzle could lead to slick roads and surfaces during the morning commute."
Transitioning into the weekend, Saturday is anticipated to be mostly cloudy, eventually clearing up but remaining frigid. The high for the day is a stark 1 degree, with a piercing wind chill hovering as low as -24. The Cold Weather Advisory, set from midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Sunday, cautions of wind chills as low as 31 below zero, which could induce frostbite on exposed skin within a mere 10 minutes.
Sunday continues the brutal cold streak with morning wind chill values expected to hit their nadir of the stretch, with wind chill values potentially reaching a bone-rattling 25 to 35 degrees below zero. The NWS Cold Weather Advisory advises residents to "Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves." Overlooking the cold snap is a vital task, with "the cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes."
During the week, temperatures will make a gradual recovery with highs crawling back to 25 degrees by Monday and nearing 39 by Tuesday, as per the NWS. However, a twist in the changing weather script introduces a potential mix of rain and snow next Wednesday, looming uncertainty over the calm before another stormy interlude.
