Honestly, looking at the window today, it's easy to get fooled. We've spent the first half of January 2026 living in a bit of a dream world here in the Twin Cities. The snow has been melting, and temperatures have been, well, surprisingly kind. But if you’re looking at the extended weather Minneapolis MN is about to throw our way, the honeymoon is officially over.
Minnesota winters have a way of waiting until you’re comfortable to pull the rug out.
Right now, it's Thursday, January 15. It’s cloudy, 20°F, and feels like 10°F with that 8 mph breeze coming out of the south. Not bad, right? We might even hit a high of 34°F today. But basically, this is the last "warm" breath we get for a while. By tonight, the script flips. Snow showers are moving in, and we’re looking at a 40% chance of the white stuff as the low drops to 12°F.
The Mid-January Reality Check
Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, is when the "extended" part of the forecast starts to look a bit more like the Minnesota we know and—for some reason—choose to live in. High of 31°F, low of 8°F, and a steady 18 mph wind from the west.
Then comes the cliff.
Saturday, January 17, is going to be a shock to the system. The high? Only 8°F. The low? 1°F. We’re expecting light snow and a biting northwest wind at 16 mph. If you’ve been putting off winterizing the house or finding your heavy-duty parka, you’ve officially run out of time.
Why the Forecast is Acting So Weird
You’ve probably heard people talking about La Niña. It’s been the big driver this winter. According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, we’re currently dealing with a weak La Niña that’s supposed to transition to "neutral" conditions sometime between now and March.
What does that mean for your weekend plans?
Volatility.
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Weak La Niñas are notoriously unpredictable. Usually, they favor colder and wetter conditions for the Northern Plains, but it’s been a late start. Meteorologists at the DTN and MPR News have been pointing out that we’re way behind the monthly average of 5 inches of snow. Well, we’re about to make up for lost time. A strong Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) event is crossing the Pacific right now, which basically acts like a reinforcement for cold air outbreaks in the eastern and central U.S.
Sunday, January 18, keeps the trend going.
- High: 17°F
- Low: -4°F (Yes, we’re hitting the negatives)
- Wind: 19 mph from the west
Monday, January 19, isn't much better. We might see some sun, but the high is only 1°F and the low is -5°F. It's the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step out of the door.
Looking Toward Late January
The extended weather Minneapolis MN outlook for the rest of the month suggests we stay in this "revolving door" of cold. Tuesday, January 20, through Thursday, January 22, sees a slight "rebound" into the mid-teens and 20s, but snow showers remain in the forecast nearly every single day.
Expect a messy commute on Thursday, Jan 22. There’s a 35% chance of snow during the day and 25% at night. It’s not necessarily a blizzard, but in the Twin Cities, it only takes an inch to turn I-35W into a parking lot.
By Friday, Jan 23, and Saturday, Jan 24, we’re back to highs in the low teens.
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The Old Farmer's Almanac and recent NOAA 8-14 day outlooks both agree: the end of January is going to be frigid. We’re likely to see a significant snowstorm right around the 29th through the 31st. Basically, the "mild" January we enjoyed for the first two weeks was just a teaser.
Actionable Winter Strategy
Since we're heading into a prolonged stretch of sub-zero lows and frequent snow, here is what you actually need to do:
1. Check Your Battery Now
Car batteries lose about 30% of their power when the temperature drops below freezing and even more when it hits the negatives. If your car struggled to start this morning, it won't start on Sunday night when it’s -4°F. Get it tested today.
2. Seal the Gaps
With 19 mph winds and sub-zero temps, even a tiny draft under a door or around a window is going to feel like an ice cube. Use heavy blankets or draft stoppers. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about keeping your heating bill from skyrocketing.
3. Manage Your Moisture
With the humidity hovering around 54% to 71% during these snow spells, ice dams are a real threat. If we get that predicted snow on Friday and Saturday, make sure your gutters are clear.
4. Update Your Emergency Kit
Keep a shovel, some sand or kitty litter, and an extra blanket in your trunk. If the 35% chance of snow on Jan 22 turns into a surprise 3-inch dumping during rush hour, you’ll be glad you have it.
The "extended weather Minneapolis MN" forecast is finally acting like a Minnesota winter. It's going to be cold, it's going to be snowy, and it's definitely going to be a long road to February. Bundle up.