Honestly, if you're asking about the weather for Minnesota right now, you've probably heard the legends of the "Frozen Tundra." And yeah, usually, January in the Bold North is a relentless gauntlet of sub-zero wind chills and ice that could stop a semi-truck. But 2026 is being a total weirdo.
Today, January 15, we're sitting at a balmy 28°F under a mostly cloudy night sky. That feels like 20°F with the wind coming out of the west at 9 mph. If you’re a local, you know that 28 degrees in the middle of January is basically t-shirt weather. Okay, maybe not t-shirts, but you definitely aren't reaching for the heavy-duty Arctic parka just to grab the mail.
The Clipper is Coming for Us
Don't get too comfortable, though. Minnesota weather is famous for its "hold my beer" moments. We’ve got a clipper system diving south right now.
Basically, this thing is bringing spotty, light snow showers through tonight. You’ll see about a 35% chance of snow overnight with a low of 8°F. It's not a "bury your car" type of storm—we're talking maybe an inch or two if you're lucky. If you're up in the Arrowhead or heading toward northern Wisconsin, you might see 1 to 3 inches.
The real kicker? The wind.
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Tomorrow, winds are gonna whip out of the northwest, gusting up to 35 mph. That’s going to tank the temperature. We’re going from these weirdly nice low 30s on Friday morning straight into the single digits by Saturday. If you have plans this weekend, be ready for wind chills between -10°F and -20°F. Up in northwestern Minnesota? Forget about it. They're looking at -30°F or worse.
Why January 2026 is Breaking the Rules
We just came off a record-shattering week. On January 8 and 9, parts of the state saw more rain than snow, which is just wrong for this time of year.
- Fillmore County got nearly an inch of rain.
- Mabel recorded 1.12 inches.
- La Farge (over the border) hit 2.29 inches—a total January record.
It’s all part of this messy transition from a La Niña winter into what they call "ENSO-neutral." Usually, La Niña means we get hammered with cold, but this year the atmosphere is feeling indecisive. One day it’s 40 degrees in western Minnesota, and the next day you’re scraping a "heavy snow squall" off your windshield.
Survival Tips for the Weekend
If you're visiting or just moved here, don't let the 28-degree "warmth" fool you. Minnesota weather is a predator; it waits for you to leave your gloves at home.
- Layer like an onion. Base layer, wool middle, windproof shell.
- Check your tires. That light snow tonight will turn into a sheet of black ice once the single-digit temps hit tomorrow night.
- Watch the "Feels Like." The actual temperature is for scientists. The "feels like" is for humans. If it says -15°F, believe it.
Expect a little more "mood snow" on Sunday—another clipper bringing less than an inch. After that, a high-pressure system moves in, locking us into the teens for early next week. It’ll be quiet, it’ll be sunny, and it’ll be cold enough to remind you exactly where you are.
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Next Steps for Your Weekend:
Keep an eye on the local radar if you're driving I-94 tonight. Those snow squalls can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. If you're heading out for ice fishing or pond hockey, Saturday morning is the cutoff before the "real" cold settles in. Grab the heavy socks now.