You’ve probably heard the jokes. People say if you don't like the weather in Minnesota, just wait five minutes. But up here, specifically when looking at the weather forecast Thief River Falls MN is currently staring down, "waiting five minutes" might just mean getting five minutes colder.
Right now, honestly, it’s brutal. As of Friday night, January 16, 2026, the temperature is sitting at a crisp 1°F. That sounds manageable until you look at the wind. We’ve got a northwest wind ripping through at 21 mph, which effectively drags that "feels like" temperature down to a bone-chilling -20°F. If you’re stepping outside tonight, you aren't just wearing a coat; you’re wearing a survival suit.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Shifting Winds
Basically, the next few days are going to be a test of your remote starter’s battery. Saturday, January 17, is looking at a high of 6°F with snow showers throughout the day and light snow sticking around into the night. The low will dip to -5°F.
Then comes Sunday.
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Sunday is when things get kinda wild. While the high stays at 6°F, the wind is predicted to crank up to 31 mph from the northwest. We’re talking about a low of -15°F Sunday night. When you combine those sustained winds with sub-zero temps, you’re looking at significant drifting and visibility issues on the backroads heading out toward St. Hilaire or Viking.
Why the weather forecast Thief River Falls MN matters this week
Most folks from out of town think the cold is the biggest story. It's not. In Pennington County, the real story is usually the wind and how it interacts with our flat landscape.
- Wind Chill Hazards: At -20°F or lower, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
- Travel Visibility: With snow showers forecasted for Saturday and Sunday, that 31 mph wind is going to create "whiteout" conditions even if it isn't actually snowing that hard.
- The "Dry" Cold: Humidity is actually quite high right now at 85%, which makes that cold air feel like it’s biting right through your layers.
Looking further into the week, Monday (January 19) brings some "relief" with a bit of sun, but the temperature actually drops further. We’re looking at a daytime high of -3°F and a night that bottoms out at -18°F.
Managing the Deep Freeze
If you're living here, you know the drill, but it’s easy to get complacent. Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is underestimating a "quick trip" to the store.
Keep a bag in the back of your rig. Not just a blanket, but real boots, a heavy hat, and some hand warmers. If you slide into a ditch on a night where it's -15°F with a 31 mph wind, your car is going to lose heat faster than you'd think.
The forecast shows a slight warm-up by Wednesday, January 21, hitting a high of 8°F, but it comes with more snow showers. It's that classic January cycle.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
- Check your tire pressure: These 20-degree drops in temperature will cause your "low tire" light to scream at you.
- Plug in the block heater: If you’re parked outside and your vehicle is older, Sunday night is the night to use it.
- Watch the wind: Sunday's wind gusts will be the highest of the week—secure anything loose in your yard before the northwesterlies really pick up.