Biting Arctic Chill Grips Minneapolis: Sub-Zero Wind Chills and Sunny Skies

Frigid Start with Dangerous Wind Chills

Minneapolis residents are waking up to a brutal arctic blast this Monday, January 26, 2026. As a monster winter storm system that paralyzed much of the country shifts eastward, it has left a trail of dangerously cold air in its wake. Early morning temperatures in the Twin Cities have plummeted to a low of -12°F. When factoring in the steady breeze, wind chill values are currently hovering around -26°F, though regional warnings for the Upper Midwest suggest localized wind chills could feel as low as -50°F in open areas.

Weather authorities have issued warnings regarding these extreme conditions, as frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Commuters are advised to heavily layer clothing and limit time outdoors during the early morning hours.

Afternoon Outlook: Sunny but Deceptive

Despite the bone-chilling cold, the afternoon is expected to bring mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. The sun, however, will offer little in the way of warmth. Daytime high temperatures are forecast to reach only between 11°F and 14°F. While the clearing skies may provide a visual reprieve from the recent heavy snow systems seen across the Midwest, the arctic air mass remains firmly entrenched over the region.

• Morning: Clear and frigid, lows near -12°F with wind chills at -26°F.
• Afternoon: Mostly sunny, highs reaching approximately 14°F.
• Evening: Partly cloudy, temperatures dipping back toward -9°F.
• Precipitation: A 20% chance of light snow flurries late in the day.

Evening and Nighttime Precautions

As the sun sets, temperatures will quickly drop back into the single digits and eventually below zero. By late evening, cloud cover may increase slightly, bringing a 20% chance of light snow or flurries. While no significant accumulation is expected today, the residual ice from previous storms combined with the extreme cold will keep road conditions hazardous.

State officials continue to urge caution for those traveling on Interstate-94 and other major arteries, as the deep freeze can lead to "exploding trees"—a phenomenon where sap freezes and expands rapidly, causing trunks to split. Local residents should also monitor their home heating systems and ensure that pipes are properly insulated against the hard freeze that will persist through Tuesday morning.