Minneapolis woke up under mostly clear skies and a brisk 39°F on Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026, with a light northwest breeze nudging the chill along. Afternoon highs should climb into the mid-50s, but overnight lows will slide close to freezing in some spots, so frost on cars, lawns and unprotected plants before dawn is very much in play.
What To Expect Today And This Week
According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, areas of frost are possible before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, with a high near 56°F and northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. Thursday, April 30, 2026, and Friday, May 1, 2026, bring the best shot at more widespread frost and lows in the mid-30s, so the real story is the cold nights, even when afternoons look friendly and sunny.
Winds And Outdoor Plans
Winds will generally run northwest at 5-15 mph, and forecasters note that some gustiness could kick up during the Wednesday afternoon commute. That might make bike rides and transit waits feel cooler than the thermometer suggests. Aside from a slight chance of a shower late Wednesday, most days stay dry and pleasant during daylight hours, so afternoons are still fair game for outdoor plans if you dress for a lingering chill.
Gardeners Should Take Precautions
Gardeners will want to play it safe. Cover tender potted plants or bring them indoors before nightfall on April 30 and May 1, and hold off on putting frost-sensitive seedlings into the ground until this cold stretch backs off. For practical tips on covers and timing, the University of Minnesota Extension offers concise local guidance on protecting early spring growth.
Bottom line: expect chilly mornings and frosty low spots through the end of the week, paired with sunny afternoons in the mid-50s. Keep an eye on local National Weather Service updates if you have plants to protect or early-morning outdoor plans on the calendar.
