Honestly, if you've ever spent a winter in Kandiyohi County, you know the routine. You wake up, check the thermometer, and hope the wind isn't biting quite as hard as yesterday.
But right now, things are looking a bit different. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the weather forecast for Willmar MN is serving up a classic Minnesota deep freeze that would make even a seasoned ice fisherman double-check his propane tanks. We aren't just talking about a little chill; we're looking at a current temperature of 5°F that feels like a brutal -13°F thanks to that northwest wind whipping through at 16 mph. It's the kind of cold that basically freezes your nose hairs the second you step out of the car at the Kandi Mall.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Shivers
If you were planning on a long walk around Foot Lake today, you might want to reconsider. Or at least layer up like you’re prepping for an Arctic expedition.
Today's high is struggling to hit 6°F. That's it. We've got cloudy skies and a 20% chance of snow during the day, which honestly feels like the sky is just teasing us. The real action starts tonight. The temperature is going to dip to a low of -1°F, and those snow showers are expected to pick up with a 35% chance of precipitation.
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The wind is the real kicker here. Coming from the northwest at 19 mph, it's going to keep that "feels like" temperature deep in the negatives. If you're driving home late from a game or a shift, watch out for patchy blowing snow. It doesn't take much for the visibility to drop when the wind gets a grip on those fresh flakes.
Understanding the Weather Forecast for Willmar MN This Week
Looking ahead, the next few days are a bit of a roller coaster. Sunday brings a slight "warm-up"—if you can call a high of 14°F warm. We’re looking at cloudy conditions with a 20% chance of snow during the day. By Monday, which happens to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the mercury drops again to a high of only 4°F.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily numbers, but looking at the broader trends for January 2026, we’re actually seeing some interesting shifts. According to data from the Old Farmer’s Almanac and local observations at Rice Field (KBDH), this month has been characterized by "snow showers turning very mild" mid-month, followed by this current frigid snap.
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The Mid-Week "Snowy Period"
Don’t put the shovel away just yet. The weather forecast for Willmar MN shows light snow moving back into the area by Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21).
- Tuesday: High of 14°F with light snow during the day and snow showers at night (35% chance).
- Wednesday: High of 16°F with a consistent 20% chance of light snow.
Basically, it’s going to be a gray, crunchy week. The humidity is hovering around 70-80%, so that cold air is going to feel heavy and damp, making it feel even colder than the dry freezes we sometimes get in February.
What Most People Miss About Willmar Winters
People often think Minnesota weather is just "cold and snowy" for four months straight. That’s a total myth. In reality, Willmar is currently in a battle between dry Canadian air and moisture pushing up from the south.
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Historically, January 15 is often the coldest day of the year here, with average highs around 23°F. This year? We are sitting way below that average right now. When the weather forecast for Willmar MN predicts a high of 6°F, we are nearly 20 degrees below the "normal" mark.
Survival Tips for the Next 48 Hours
If you’ve lived here a while, you know the drill, but a refresher never hurts:
- Check your tire pressure. This kind of drop makes those sensors go crazy.
- Watch for the "Lull." Between Jan 18-28, forecasts suggest a brief sunny period before another frigid front hits. Use those sunny days to clear your vents and check your furnace filters.
- Indoor escapes. If the wind chill is too much, places like the Barn Theatre or the local coffee shops on 1st Street are your best bets for staying sane.
Looking toward the end of the month, the long-range outlook suggests a potential snowstorm around January 29-31. While these extended forecasts can be a bit hit-or-miss, the pattern of "snowy periods followed by frigid air" seems to be the theme for the rest of the month.
Stay warm out there. Make sure your emergency kit in the car has a real blanket and some jumper cables. This weekend isn't the time to test your car's battery strength or your own tolerance for wind chill.
Actionable Insights for the Week:
- Travel Safety: Expect blowing snow tonight and Sunday morning; keep your tank at least half-full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups.
- Home Maintenance: Ensure your outdoor intake and exhaust vents are clear of snow drifts to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Pet Care: With "feels like" temps at -13°F, limit outdoor time for pets to under 10 minutes.