Honestly, if you're asking about the temperature in Minnesota right now, you're probably either shivering or planning to be soon. As of tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the official reading for Minnesota is -2°F.
But that number is a total lie.
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Because of a steady northwest wind clipping along at 9 mph, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at a bone-chilling -18°F. It's the kind of cold that doesn't just sit on your skin; it looks for a way inside your bones.
The Reality of What Temperature Is It in Minnesota Right Now
Today has been a grey, cloudy stretch for most of the state. We saw a high of 5°F, which felt like a luxury compared to what’s happening tonight. The humidity is hovering around 64%, and while it’s mostly cloudy, there’s a persistent 10% chance of light snow flurries drifting through the air.
Looking ahead to the rest of the night, things aren't exactly warming up. We’re expecting the mercury to bottom out at -8°F. When you factor in the wind, which is projected to kick up to 15 mph from the northwest, tomorrow morning's commute or dog walk is going to be brutal.
Why the Wind Chill is the Only Number That Matters
In Minnesota, the "actual" temperature is for the record books, but the wind chill is for the humans. When people ask what temperature is it in Minnesota, they usually want to know if their nose is going to turn into an icicle the second they step outside.
Right now, we are in a classic "clippers and cold" pattern.
- Current Temp: -2°F
- Real Feel: -18°F
- Wind Speed: 9 mph (Northwest)
- Visibility: Mostly cloudy with light flurries
If you're out west near the North Dakota border, things are even messier. Blizzard warnings have been popping up near Fergus Falls and Moorhead today because even though the snow isn't heavy, the wind is gusting up to 55 mph. That creates whiteout conditions where you can't see the hood of your own truck.
Is This Normal for a Minnesota January?
Kinda. January is historically our coldest month. While 2024 gave us some weirdly warm 60-degree days, 2026 is behaving a bit more traditionally. The average high in the Twin Cities for mid-January usually sits around 24°F, so today's high of 5°F is significantly below the norm.
We aren't breaking the all-time record of -60°F (set in Tower back in '96), but -18°F wind chills are nothing to sneeze at. Actually, don't sneeze—your breath might freeze.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of the state starting early Sunday morning. We’re looking at another 1 to 2 inches of snow, which sounds like nothing until you combine it with the freezing temperatures and ice-slicked roads.
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Survival Steps for the Next 24 Hours
If you have to be out in this, basically just cover everything. Exposed skin can start to see frostbite in under 30 minutes when you're hitting these -20°F wind chill thresholds.
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop faster than a lead weight.
- The "Penny" Test: If you're driving, make sure you have actual tread. Icy roads and bald tires are a recipe for a ditch visit.
- Emergency Kits: Honestly, keep a heavy blanket and some jumper cables in the trunk. Batteries hate this -2°F weather and might decide to quit on you tomorrow morning.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you, it's definitely too cold for the dog's paws. Keep the walks short and sweet.
Basically, Minnesota is doing exactly what Minnesota does in the dead of winter. It's cold, it's grey, and the wind is a jerk. Stay inside, grab a coffee, and wait for the "warm-up" that might—just might—bring us back into the double digits next week.
Actionable Insight: Before heading out tomorrow morning, check the local radar for those quick-moving snow squalls. With a low of -8°F tonight, give your vehicle at least 5-10 minutes to warm up so the fluids can actually move.