Frosty Blue Skies: Minneapolis Faces a Bitterly Cold Sunday
Morning: A Frigid Start to the Day
Minneapolis residents are waking up to some of the coldest temperatures of the season this Sunday, January 25. As of 7:00 AM, thermometers across the Twin Cities are hovering around -10°F, with some outlying areas reporting lows as deep as -17°F. Despite the clear skies and early morning sun, the bite of the Arctic air is significant. Winds from the north-northwest at approximately 9 to 13 mph are creating wind chills that make it feel considerably colder, pushing the perceived temperature well into the negative twenties. Experts advise that skin exposure should be kept to a minimum during the morning commute or early dog walks.
Afternoon: Sun Without the Heat
By midday, the sun will be out in full force, but it will offer little in the way of actual warmth. The high for the day is expected to reach only 4°F around 3:00 PM. While the chance of precipitation remains low throughout the daylight hours—hovering around 7%—the "mostly sunny" forecast provides a deceptive backdrop to the bitter cold. Residents planning to head outdoors for Sunday activities are encouraged to dress in multiple layers and limit outdoor duration, as frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions. The humidity remains relatively low at 63%, adding to the dry, stinging sensation of the winter air.
Evening and Overnight: Plunging Temps and Late Flurries
As the sun sets, the mercury will quickly retreat. Temperatures are projected to drop back into the negative single digits by 8:00 PM, eventually bottoming out near -12°F overnight. The National Weather Service indicates a slight increase in cloud cover late this evening, which may bring scattered snow showers to the metro area. While accumulation is expected to be minimal—likely less than half an inch—the combination of refreezing moisture and extreme cold could lead to slick spots on bridges and overpasses for those traveling early Monday morning.
Winter Safety and Travel Alerts
While no formal blizzard warnings are in effect for the immediate Twin Cities area today, a general Cold Weather Advisory remains pertinent due to the lingering extreme cold. Local officials suggest checking on neighbors, particularly the elderly, and ensuring that pets are kept indoors. With a major storm system currently impacting the central United States, travelers heading south or east of Minnesota should prepare for significant delays and hazardous road conditions outside the state. Locally, keep an ice scraper handy as the late-evening clouds may result in a light dusting of frost or snow by dawn.