Minnesota winters aren't exactly known for being gentle, but the current stretch is doing something truly bizarre. If you’ve been looking at the msp 10 day forecast, you probably noticed the numbers jumping around like a panicked EKG. One minute we’re flirting with a January thaw that makes you want to wash the salt off your car, and the next, the wind chill is threatening to turn your nostrils into ice cubes.
It’s typical Twin Cities. Honestly, if you don't like the weather here, just wait ten minutes—or in this case, about 48 hours.
The Near-Term Tease: Rain or Snow?
Right now, we are sitting in a strange pocket of atmospheric indecision. Today, Wednesday, January 14, is actually one of the "nice" days. We’ve got sun, a high around 19°F, and a breeze that’s manageable if you’re moving fast enough between the skyway and your office.
But things get messy fast.
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Tomorrow, Thursday, the mercury is going on a bit of a run. We are looking at a high of 35°F. In any other state, that’s cold. In Minnesota in mid-January? That’s basically t-shirt weather. However, that warmth comes with a catch. The National Weather Service is tracking a system that could bring snow showers by Thursday night. Because the temps are so close to the freezing mark, we might see that annoying mix of slush and "heart attack" snow—the heavy, wet stuff that’s a nightmare to shovel.
Friday keeps the trend alive with a high of 32°F, but the wind is going to kick up. Northwest gusts around 18 mph will start pulling the rug out from under this brief warm spell.
The Bottom Drops Out This Weekend
If you have outdoor plans for Saturday or Sunday, you might want to reconsider. Or at least find your heavy-duty parka. The msp 10 day forecast shows a massive temperature cliff.
By Saturday, January 17, the high struggles to even hit 9°F. The low? Zero. Absolute zero. Okay, not absolute zero in the scientific sense, but it’ll feel like it when that 13 mph wind hits your face. We’re expecting light snow to linger, which means the roads will likely be that specific brand of Minnesota "greasy"—not quite iced over, but definitely not grippy.
Sunday isn't much better. 14°F for a high, with another dip to 0°F at night.
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Mid-Week Reality Check
As we roll into next week, the Arctic air really settles in for a visit. Monday, January 19, looks like the winner for the "Stay Inside" award. We’re forecasting a high of only 2°F. Yes, single digits. The low will drop below zero to -1°F.
The interesting thing about this specific January stretch is how it compares to our historical "normals." Usually, the average high for the Twin Cities this time of year is about 24°F. We are currently swinging from 10 degrees above that to 20 degrees below it. It's enough to give anyone weather whiplash.
Looking Toward the Back Half of the Forecast
Will it stay this cold? Kinda, but not entirely.
By Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21), we see a slow crawl back toward the teens and low 20s.
- Tuesday: High of 13°F, mostly cloudy.
- Wednesday: High of 21°F with more snow showers possible.
- Thursday: High of 19°F.
The humidity is staying relatively high for winter, hovering around 60% to 70%. That’s why the air feels "heavy" and the cold seems to seep through your layers more than it does during those crisp, dry February freezes.
What This Means for Your Commute and Gear
The most important takeaway from the msp 10 day forecast isn't the cold—it's the frequency of these small snow events. We aren't seeing a 12-inch "Snowmageddon" on the radar right now. Instead, it’s a series of "nuisance" snowfalls—20% to 40% chances almost every other day.
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These are the ones that catch people off guard. A dusting of an inch on top of a 35-degree road that then flash-freezes as the temperature drops to 9°F is a recipe for a 50-car pileup on I-35W.
Basically, keep your scraper in the front seat. You’re going to need it.
Actionable Winter Tips for This 10-Day Stretch
- Check your tire pressure today. Those 20-degree drops cause your PSI to plummet. If your "low tire" light isn't on yet, it probably will be by Saturday.
- Seal the drafts. With Monday’s high of 2°F, any gap in your window frames is going to feel like a blowtorch of ice. Use some heavy curtains or even a rolled-up towel at the base of doors.
- Layer for the "Wet Cold." Since Thursday and Friday are near freezing, moisture is your enemy. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer so you don't get "the chills" when the temp drops Friday night.
- Hydrate your skin. High humidity or not, the indoor heat is going to be cranking this weekend. Your skin will thank you for the extra lotion before the "Arctic Monday" hits.
The Twin Cities are resilient, but this specific 10-day window is a reminder of why we earn our "Bold North" reputation. Stay warm, drive slow, and maybe buy an extra bag of salt before the Friday rush.