Minneapolis

Spring Chill Puts Minneapolis Gardens On Ice This Week

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Published on April 28, 2026
Spring Chill Puts Minneapolis Gardens On Ice This WeekSource: Unsplash/Steijn Leijzer

Minneapolis woke up Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026, to clear skies and a brisk 43°F. The city will stay cool under bright sunshine with a high around 55°F, while northwest winds keep things feeling cooler on exposed lakeside paths. Tonight, clouds creep in a bit with partly cloudy skies and lows dipping into the upper 30s, so plan on a chilly commute and definite sweater weather.

Today's Outlook

According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, Tuesday tops out near 55°F with northwest winds around 15 mph and occasional gusts strong enough to make light items rattle on porches and balconies. Mostly sunny skies stick around through the afternoon, with a Tuesday night low near 38°F. Commuters, especially those on bikes or waiting at bus stops, should factor in the breeze when layering up.

Why The Change Matters

What started the week looking like a warmer pattern has shifted to a cooler, drier setup, which is a big deal for anyone planning outdoor events or already itching to get plants in the ground. Last Friday we were watching a much milder trend, as seen in the warmer outlook we were tracking last Friday, and the evolution since then shows how quickly early spring forecasts can pivot.

Frost Risk And Garden Tips

According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, morning lows near or even below freezing are possible later this week, with readings sliding into the mid-30s on Thursday and Friday. That is cold enough for frost to show up on parked cars, lawns and vulnerable plants. Gardeners should cover potted plants, bring tender favorites indoors before dawn on Thursday and Friday, and hold off on sensitive planting or pruning until the chill passes. The timing is not ideal. These cold mornings follow an early spring green-up, which leaves unprotected blossoms and young leaves most at risk.

What To Expect This Week

There is only a slight chance of evening showers on Wednesday. Most days stay dry after that, with a slow warm-up into the weekend. Highs climb into the low 60s on Saturday and reach about 67°F on Sunday. A spotty shower chance returns by Monday, but for now the big storyline is simple: cool mornings, sunny afternoons and a persistent breeze through the workweek. Keep an eye on local updates and sign up for weather alerts before locking in those early morning outdoor plans.