If you've stepped outside in Rochester lately, you already know the vibe. It’s that particular brand of Minnesota cold where the air doesn’t just hit you; it sort of introduces itself to your bone marrow. Honestly, looking at the 10 day forecast for rochester mn, we are transitioning from a weirdly "mild" start to January into a stretch that’s going to test how much you actually trust your car battery.
We just came off a bizarre record-breaking rain event on January 8-9 where some spots saw over two inches of rain. In January. In Minnesota. That is wild. But the party is over. The atmosphere is resetting, and it's bringing the heavy stuff—the kind of cold that makes the sky look that eerie, beautiful, crystal-clear blue while the thermometer stays glued to single digits.
What’s Actually Coming in the 10 Day Forecast for Rochester MN
Basically, we’re looking at a classic "cold sandwich" with some snow showers acting as the mustard. Today, Saturday, January 17, is the gateway. We’ve got a high of 12°F and a low dipping to -2°F. It’s cloudy, it’s grey, and there’s about a 20% chance of some light snow. If you’re heading out tonight, the northwest winds at 16 mph are going to make it feel significantly worse than the number on your phone.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is where things get interesting. We’re expecting snow showers with a high of 13°F. Don't let the "warm" high fool you; the low is plummeting to -10°F overnight. By Monday, January 19, the bottom really drops out. We’re looking at a high of -3°F. Yes, a high below zero. That’s the real Rochester.
The Mid-Week "Warm-Up" (If You Can Call It That)
Around Tuesday and Wednesday, we get a tiny bit of relief. Temperatures should crawl back up into the mid-to-high teens.
- Tuesday: High of 12°F, low of -10°F.
- Wednesday: High of 19°F, mostly light snow expected.
- Thursday: High of 12°F, back to the single-digit lows.
It’s not exactly tropical. But after a Monday where the high is literally negative, 19 degrees feels like a day at the beach. You might even see a few people out at the Mayo Clinic subways without their heaviest parkas, though I wouldn't recommend it.
The Frigid Finish: Late Next Week
If you were hoping for a quick exit to this cold, the end of the 10-day stretch says otherwise. Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24, are looking brutal. We’re talking highs of 7°F and -11°F respectively. Saturday the 24th is shaping up to be the coldest day of the bunch, with a daytime high that doesn't even make it to zero and a low crashing down to -16°F.
This is the kind of weather where the National Weather Service starts talking about frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. It's not just "chilly"—it's hazardous if you aren't prepared.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Historically, January is the coldest month for us. The average high is usually around 24°F, but we are trending way below that for this cycle. We're currently in a La Niña transition, which usually means more variability. We see these "rollercoaster" journeys where we set a record high of 55°F one week (like we did last year in late January) and then get slammed with a -20°F high the next.
This year, the "Alberta Clippers"—those fast-moving systems from Canada—are the main drivers. They don’t always bring a foot of snow, but they bring that dry, Arctic air that just sits in the valley and refuses to leave.
Survival Tips for the 10-Day Stretch
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make in Rochester is trusting the "high" temperature. In the winter, the wind is the real boss. Rochester is actually one of the windiest cities in the U.S., averaging over 12 mph. When it’s 5°F with a 15 mph wind, your "feels like" temperature is deep in the negatives.
- Check your tires. Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your "low pressure" light hasn't come on yet, it probably will by Monday morning.
- Layers, obviously. But specifically, a wind-resistant outer shell. Down is great for warmth, but if the wind cuts through the fabric, it’s useless.
- The "Garage Test." If your car struggles to start when it's -2°F tonight, it definitely won't start on Saturday when it's -16°F. Get your battery tested at a local shop now.
- Skyway life. If you're working downtown or at Mayo, use the skyways and subways. There’s no trophy for walking outside in -10°F weather.
The snow accumulation for this period looks relatively light—mostly "dusting" to an inch here and there—but the blowing snow will be a factor. With winds gusting up to 30-40 mph at times, visibility on Highway 52 or I-90 can go to zero in a heartbeat, even if it's not "storming."
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Keep an eye on the overnight lows. We’re entering the heart of a Minnesota winter, and while it’s tempting to complain, it’s also kind of what makes us who we are. Just make sure you’ve got a full tank of gas and some extra blankets in the trunk.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels and battery health today before the sub-zero high arrives on Monday. If you have outdoor pets, ensure their heated water bowls are functioning, as temperatures will remain below freezing for the entire 10-day duration.