Frigid Friday: Historic Arctic Blast Deep Freezes the Twin Cities

Arctic Grip: Life-Threatening Cold Shuts Down Minneapolis

Minneapolis is waking up to some of the most dangerous weather conditions seen in years as a historic Arctic air mass tightly grips the region. Friday, January 23, 2026, marks a day of extreme weather for the Twin Cities, with life-threatening cold prompting widespread closures and safety advisories. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning and a subsequent Cold Weather Advisory, marking this as the coldest air intrusion to impact the area since the polar vortex event of January 2019.

Morning: Dangerous Wind Chills and Record Cold

The morning hours are particularly hazardous for residents. Air temperatures in Minneapolis have bottomed out near -18°F, but the real danger lies in the wind chill. Persistent northwest winds are pushing "feels-like" temperatures to between -45°F and -55°F. At these levels, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Due to the severity of the cold, dozens of school districts across the metro area have canceled classes or shifted to e-learning days. Morning commuters are advised to stay indoors if possible, as the Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through noon.

Afternoon: Sunny Skies Offer Little Warmth

As we move into the afternoon, the sun will be out, but it will offer almost no relief from the biting cold. Daytime highs are struggling to rise above -6°F to -8°F. While the official Extreme Cold Warning transitions into a Cold Weather Advisory at midday, conditions remain precarious. Wind chills will persist between -20°F and -35°F throughout the afternoon hours. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has already taken the rare step of postponing or canceling outdoor events scheduled for today to ensure the safety of participants and staff.

Evening and Overnight: Clouds Roll In

By the evening, the sunny spells will give way to increasing cloud cover. Temperatures will remain well below zero, hovering around the double-digit negatives as we head toward midnight. The Cold Weather Advisory is set to last until midnight Friday night, as the Arctic air mass slowly begins its very gradual retreat. While the chance of snow remains low at around 10%, the primary concern continues to be the persistent, bone-chilling cold that refuses to break its hold on the city.

Safety Reminders for Residents

Local officials are urging Minnesotans to take this event seriously. If you must venture outside, it is vital to dress in multiple layers, covering all exposed skin. Residents should also check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, and ensure that pets are kept indoors. For those driving, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle, including blankets, extra warm clothing, and a phone charger, as a breakdown in these temperatures could quickly become a life-threatening emergency.