Bitter Blue Skies: Minneapolis Faces Deep Freeze Before Saturday Night Snow

Overview: A Deceptive Saturday

Minneapolis residents are waking up to a biting reality this Saturday, January 31, 2026, as a potent Arctic air mass maintains its firm grip on the region. While the sun is expected to make a guest appearance today, the primary headline remains the dangerous combination of sub-zero wind chills and an incoming snow system slated for late tonight. This weekend marks a continuation of a historically frigid stretch where the Twin Cities have seen temperatures drop below zero on 12 of the last 14 days.

Morning: A Frigid Start

The day begins with absolute temperatures hovering near 1°F, but the "feels like" factor is significantly more severe. Due to steady northwest winds, wind chill values are expected to plunge to between -25°F and -30°F throughout the morning hours. In more exposed areas of the metro, localized wind chills could even approach the -50°F mark. Local health officials are stressing that frostbite can set in on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. If you must be outside during the early hours, ensure that every inch of skin is covered and avoid prolonged exposure.

Afternoon: Deceptive Sunshine

As the day progresses into the afternoon, the heavy cloud cover that defined the work week will begin to break, offering some intervals of bright sunshine. However, this sun will be deceptive; it will provide almost no physical relief from the cold. High temperatures are forecasted to struggle, peaking only between 5°F and 10°F. While the break in the clouds may offer a psychological reprieve from the winter gloom, the environmental risk remains high, and the air will remain painfully cold for any outdoor activities.

Evening and Night: Snow on the Horizon

The conditions will shift again as evening approaches. After 5:00 p.m., cloud cover will rapidly increase as a "clipper" system approaches from the west. There is a 45% chance of light snow beginning late Saturday night and lingering into Sunday morning. Total accumulations are expected to be modest—likely around one inch of fresh powder—but this will be enough to create slippery conditions on roads that have already suffered from a week of flash-freezing and ice buildup.

Safety and Warnings

A Cold Advisory remains in effect across Hennepin County and the surrounding suburbs. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Layer Clothing: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one thick layer.
• Vehicle Readiness: Ensure your gas tank is at least half full and keep an emergency kit with blankets and a shovel in your trunk.
• Pet Safety: Bring all pets indoors and limit their time on frozen pavement, which can cause immediate damage to paws.
• Home Maintenance: Check that furnace vents are not obstructed by snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup during the high-heating period.