A Brisk Groundhog Day: Minneapolis Braces for a Chilly Start to February

Morning: A Frosty Commute for the Twin Cities

Good morning, Minneapolis. As we kick off the first Monday of February and celebrate Groundhog Day, the air across the metro area carries a sharp winter sting. Early morning temperatures are hovering around a crisp 16°F, but don't let the thermometer fool you. With humidity levels near 72% and a steady breeze, the wind chill makes it feel closer to a biting 5°F. Commuters should expect mostly cloudy skies and dry pavement, though a few lingering flurries from yesterday’s system remain a slight possibility during the early hours.

Afternoon: Persistent Clouds and Sub-Freezing Highs

As we move into the afternoon, the sky will remain predominantly cloudy, keeping the sunshine at a premium. We are forecasting a daytime high of approximately 20°F. While these temperatures are slightly below the historical average for early February, the winds will remain relatively light, shifting from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph. This gentle breeze will keep the 'feels like' temperature in the low teens throughout the afternoon. If you are heading out to local parks or checking in on the groundhog’s shadow, a heavy winter coat and gloves are highly recommended.

Evening and Night: Clearing Skies and a Deep Freeze

The clouds that defined much of the day are expected to begin breaking up after sunset. By late evening, skies will transition from cloudy to partly clear, allowing for a significant drop in temperature. We are anticipating a frigid overnight low between 2°F and 4°F. The chance of precipitation remains low at 10% during the day, though it may tick up slightly to 20% overnight as a minor system brushes the region. Residents are advised to ensure their heating systems are functioning correctly, as this will be one of the colder nights of the week.

Today’s Weather Snapshot

• High Temperature: 20°F (-7°C)
• Low Temperature: 2°F to 4°F (-16°C)
• Wind: NW at 5–10 mph
• Precipitation: 10% chance of light snow; no accumulation expected.
• Humidity: 69% to 72%
• Conditions: Mostly cloudy throughout the day, clearing late at night.

Looking ahead, while today remains relatively dry, Minneapolis residents should prepare for a shift in the weather mid-week. Meteorological models suggest a higher probability of snow showers returning to the area by Wednesday, with temperatures potentially fluctuating as a new front approaches. Stay warm and stay safe on the roads today.