Minneapolis rolled out of bed Thursday, April 30, 2026, to crystal-clear skies and a spring cold snap, with temperatures hovering near 35°F and a light north to NNW breeze around 5 to 10 mph. A Frost Advisory is in effect for much of the metro through 8:00 AM CDT, which means tender plants, lawns, and exposed garden beds are on the frost risk list. The tradeoff is a bright turnaround later in the day, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 54°F expected by afternoon.
Frost Advisory — Who's Affected
National Weather Service Twin Cities has the Frost Advisory posted through 8:00 AM CDT Thursday, flagging low spots and exposed plants as the most vulnerable. The advisory notes that "frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation," so anything that went outside a little too early for the season may need a quick rescue job. Simple fixes like throwing a cover over garden beds or hauling potted plants back inside can make the difference between a rough morning and a healthy garden.
Garden Tips
If you garden, this is one of those nights to baby the seedlings. Cover young plants with frost cloths or old sheets weighed down at the corners, or move container plants indoors until temperatures rebound. The University of Minnesota Extension offers straightforward guidance on when to plant and how to use covers effectively, and their bottom line matches today's setup: hold off on putting out frost-sensitive transplants until this little cold snap moves on.
Timing And The Commute
The good news for early risers is that frost should melt off quickly after sunrise. Roads are expected to stay dry, although bridges and untreated sidewalks in low-lying areas could be slick with frost during the first part of the morning commute. Winds from the north to NNW at 5 to 10 mph will keep it feeling brisk but not blustery, and there is no stormy weather in the mix. By midday, sunshine takes over and temperatures head for the mid 50s, making the afternoon feel a lot more like late April.
Looking Ahead
After today, forecast highs stay in the mid 50s on Friday, May 1, 2026, with another chilly night on tap. The pattern then shifts toward a more comfortable spring weekend, with highs near 63°F on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and around 68°F on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Forecasts point to an increased chance of a few light showers from Saturday night into Sunday, nothing that should wash out the entire weekend but enough to keep an umbrella handy. Looking to next week, a slight chance of showers and gusty northwest winds around Monday, May 4, 2026, could complicate outdoor plans, so it is worth checking back for updated details.
Bottom line: cover tender plants tonight and plan for sunny, mild afternoons through the weekend. We will update if warnings change.
