You’ve probably heard the jokes about Minnesota winters. People talk about "Uff Da" and the legendary ability of locals to wear shorts in 40-degree weather. But honestly, this week is a different beast. If you’re looking at the weekly weather forecast Minneapolis residents are currently staring at, you’re seeing a shift from "typical winter" to "stay inside and question your life choices" territory.
The air is changing. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 9°F. It sounds manageable until you feel that 12 mph northwest wind hitting your face. Suddenly, it feels like -6°F. That’s the "welcome to the freezer" moment we’ve all been waiting for—or dreading.
The Immediate Impact of the Weekly Weather Forecast Minneapolis
Tomorrow is when things get really interesting. Sunday, January 18, is looking like a snowy mess. We’re expecting about a 35% chance of snow during the day with a high of 12°F. That’s not the problem. The problem is the drop. By Sunday night, the mercury is diving to -10°F.
Basically, any moisture that falls during the day is going to turn into a solid sheet of glass by the time you try to commute on Monday morning.
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Monday, January 19, is likely to be the shock to the system. The high temperature? It’s not even going to break zero. We are looking at a daytime high of -2°F and a low that night of -12°F. When you factor in the 11 mph winds coming off the west, you’re talking about wind chills that make exposed skin a liability within minutes. It’s the kind of cold that makes your car engine groan and your nostrils stick together the second you step outside.
Why This Specific Week is Different
Normally, January has its ups and downs. But this stretch is relentless. Tuesday stays cloudy with a high of 11°F, but the nights remain brutal, dipping back down to -10°F. We might see some snow showers late Tuesday night—about a 25% chance—which just adds another layer of slush to the mix.
Wednesday, January 21, gives us a brief "warm-up" if you can call it that.
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We might hit 20°F. After a -12°F night, 20 degrees feels like a tropical vacation. But don’t go putting away the heavy parka yet. The wind picks up to 15 mph, and by Thursday, we’re back down to a high of 7°F. It’s a seesaw of freezing and deep-freezing.
Surviving the January Plunge
Kinda makes you want to hibernate, right? If you have to be out in it, the National Weather Service and local experts like Chris Shaffer have been highlighting the importance of layering. It’s not just about one big coat. It’s about the air trapped between the layers.
- The Base Layer: Wicking material. No cotton. If you sweat and it stays wet, you're in trouble.
- The Middle: Fleece or wool. Something that keeps the heat in.
- The Shell: Needs to be windproof. With these 17 mph gusts on Sunday, a windproof layer is the only thing standing between you and a very bad day.
Honestly, the real danger this week isn't just the temperature; it's the duration. We aren't seeing a "thaw" until maybe late next week, if we're lucky. Friday, January 23, stays at 8°F with a low of -8°F. By next Saturday, January 24, we’re looking at a high of -8°F and a low of -14°F. That is serious, sustained cold.
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Practical Steps for the Rest of the Week
Since the weekly weather forecast Minneapolis is showing consistent sub-zero nights, you need to think about your home and your car. Check your battery. Car batteries lose about 60% of their strength when the temperature hits 0°F. If yours is more than three years old, this is the week it’ll probably give up the ghost.
Also, keep your pipes in mind. When we hit -12°F on Monday night, let the faucets drip. A little bit of moving water can prevent a thousand-dollar plumbing disaster. It’s a simple trick, but people always forget it until they hear that dreaded "pop" in the walls.
Check your emergency kit in your trunk too. Blankets, jumper cables, and maybe some granola bars. If you slide off the road on Sunday during those snowy periods, you don't want to be waiting for a tow truck in -10°F weather without a way to stay warm.
Stay safe out there. This week is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep the thermostat up, the coffee hot, and maybe just stay on the couch if you can.
Next Steps for the Week Ahead:
- Test your car battery today before the -10°F Sunday night drop.
- Ensure your outdoor vents are clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Stock up on essentials now so you don't have to navigate the -8°F high next Saturday.