Minneapolis is waking up to clear skies, frost and a Freeze Warning through 9 a.m. Saturday, with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s. The cold start will give way to a sunny afternoon near 60 degrees, though south-southwest winds could gust up to 30 mph.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen office says elevated fire weather conditions are possible Saturday afternoon as breezy conditions combine with dry air, particularly across western Minnesota. The forecast calls for 5 to 15 mph winds in Minneapolis, with stronger gusts late in the morning and afternoon; residents should use extra caution with outdoor flames and anything that could spark or blow away.
The Freeze Warning covers the early morning hours, when frost and sub-freezing temperatures could damage tender plants and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Once the sun is up, temperatures should climb quickly, reaching the upper 50s by midafternoon before settling into a clear night with a low near 45.
Sunny Weekend Keeps Warming
Sunday looks sunny and warmer, with a high near 65 and south-southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. Monday looks slightly warmer.
Minneapolis Heads Toward Summer-Like October Warmth
The warmup becomes more noticeable Tuesday through Thursday, with highs near 67, 71 and 73 degrees, respectively, under mostly sunny to sunny skies.
How Warm Is This for October?
The National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen climate report lists the Oct. 17 normal high as 58°F and the record high as 84°F, set in 1910.
Saturday calls for two very different plans: protect tender plants and sensitive outdoor items during the early freeze, then prepare for a much milder afternoon. Forecast highs climb into the 70s later in the week.
