Honestly, if you're standing outside in Minneapolis right now, you already know the answer: it's freezing. Like, "don't let your nose hairs freeze together" freezing.
The current temp in Minneapolis is -3°F.
But as any local will tell you, the number on the digital sign at the bank is only half the story. Because of a steady 6 mph wind coming out of the west, the feels like temperature is sitting at a crisp -15°F. It’s nighttime, it’s cloudy, and it’s exactly the kind of January air that makes you question your life choices—or at least your choice of coat.
What’s Happening Right Now?
The humidity is hovering at 75%, which might sound high for winter, but in this kind of cold, the air still feels bone-dry on your skin. We aren't seeing any snow at this exact moment, but the sky is a solid blanket of clouds.
Here is the quick breakdown of the current conditions:
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- Temperature: -3°F
- Wind Chill: -15°F
- Wind Speed: 6 mph (West)
- Sky: Cloudy
The Forecast: It’s a "Partly Cloudy" Kind of Night
If you’re waiting for a heatwave, you’re gonna be waiting a while. Tonight is expected to stay partly cloudy as we move toward the morning hours.
Looking at the broader picture for Sunday, January 18, 2026, we actually had a "high" of 12°F today. I say "high" in quotes because, let's be real, 12 degrees is still basically an ice cube. We’re expecting the low tonight to bottom out right around -10°F.
Wait, it gets better. Or worse, depending on your vibe. There’s a 35% chance of snow during the day and a 20% chance lingering into the night. Winds are also expected to kick up quite a bit, reaching about 17 mph from the southwest.
Is This Normal for Minneapolis in January?
You’ve probably heard people say that Minnesota winters aren't what they used to be. And they’re kinda right.
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Historically, the average high for mid-January in the Twin Cities is about 24°F, with lows around 9°F. So, sitting at -3°F right now means we are definitely on the colder side of the "normal" spectrum.
We’ve seen much worse, though. On January 21, 1888, the city hit -41°F. That’s the kind of cold where physics just stops working correctly. More recently, in January 2025, we had a stretch where temps dropped into the -18°F range for highs. Compared to that, tonight’s -3°F feels... well, it doesn't feel good, but it feels familiar.
Survival Mode: What Most People Get Wrong
When the current temp in Minneapolis drops below zero, people tend to overcomplicate things. You don't need a $1,000 Arctic expedition parka to walk the dog. You just need layers.
Basically, the air trapped between your shirt, your sweater, and your jacket is what actually keeps you warm. If you’re wearing one giant, heavy coat over a t-shirt, you’re doing it wrong. Also, cover your face. At -15°F wind chill, frostbite can start to sneak up on exposed skin faster than you’d think—usually within 30 minutes if you aren't careful.
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Why the Wind Direction Matters
Notice how the wind is coming from the west/southwest? In the Twin Cities, that’s a bit of a mixed bag. Northwest winds usually scream "Arctic blast," while a southwest flow can sometimes signal a slight warmup (a "thaw," as we desperately call it).
For tonight, that west wind is just keeping the chill steady. It’s not bringing in a polar vortex, but it’s definitely not a tropical breeze.
Your Next Steps for the Big Chill
If you have to head out into the Minneapolis cold tonight or early tomorrow morning, keep these things in mind:
- Check your tires: Drastic temp drops cause PSI to plummet. If your "low tire" light is on, it’s not a glitch; it’s just physics.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in your bare feet, it’s too cold for your dog. Keep the walks short.
- Battery Life: Your phone battery will die significantly faster in -3°F weather. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body heat.
- Watch the Snow: With a 20-35% chance of flurries, keep an eye on the radar if you're commuting, as even a "dusting" can turn I-94 into a skating rink when the ground is this cold.
The current temp in Minneapolis is a reminder that winter is very much in charge. Stay warm, keep the layers on, and remember: February is only a few weeks away.