Minneapolis is a vibe in January, and honestly, "vibe" is usually code for "it's going to hurt your face to walk to the car." If you’re asking what is the weather in minneapolis minnesota today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the short answer is that winter has finally stopped playing around. We've officially entered the "arctic reinforcement" phase of the season.
Right now, it’s about 10°F outside. That sounds manageable until you look at the -6°F feels-like temperature. The wind is currently coming out of the northwest at 12 mph, and it’s dragging a bit of light snow with it. It’s the kind of morning where you start the car fifteen minutes before you actually need to leave, even if you’re just going three blocks.
Survival Guide: What Is the Weather in Minneapolis Minnesota Today?
If you're planning your day, don't let that 10-degree number fool you. The high for the day is only hitting 11°F. Basically, we aren't moving much from where we are right now. The low tonight is dropping down to 4°F, but with the wind picking up to 16 mph later, the wind chill is going to be the real story.
You've probably noticed the sky looks like a flat gray sheet. We’re sitting at 72% humidity with a 31% chance of snow showers right now. It’s not a blizzard—not yet—but it’s enough to make the roads a little greasy. By the afternoon, the chance of snow drops slightly to 20%, but the wind is going to keep blowing whatever is on the ground right into your windshield.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
The Hour-by-Hour Reality
Honestly, the temperature is going to be incredibly stubborn today. Here is the rough breakdown of what your thermometer is going to tell you:
- Morning: We’re hovering right at 9°F or 10°F. Expect a few flakes and a lot of gray.
- Lunchtime: Maybe a peak at 11°F. This is the warmest it gets. Enjoy it?
- Late Afternoon: Temperatures start sliding back toward 7°F or 8°F by 4:00 PM.
- Evening: It’s hitting 4°F once the sun goes down (which happens early, around 5:00 PM).
The UV index is a whopping 1. You don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need lip balm. The air is dry, the wind is northwest, and the "bitterly cold" labels on the weather apps are actually accurate today.
Why Minnesotans Are Still Heading Out
You’d think a day like this would clear the streets, but that’s not how it works here. If we stayed inside every time the wind chill hit negative digits, nothing would get done until May.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Over at Lake Harriet, the Art Shanty Projects are kicking off today. People are literally walking out onto the ice to look at art installations in this weather. It’s a tradition. If you’re heading that way, you need a heavy parka, a thermal base layer, and probably those little chemical hand warmers.
The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships are also in full swing over at Lake Nokomis. There is something uniquely "Minnesota" about watching people play hockey on a frozen lake when the air feels like a freezer. If you're going to watch, just remember that standing still is much colder than skating.
Looking Ahead: It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better
If you think today is cold, brace yourself for tomorrow. A clipper system is moving in Sunday, which might bring a more significant "burst" of snow. But the real kicker is Sunday night. We’re looking at a reinforcement of arctic air that could push wind chills down to -20°F or -30°F by Monday morning.
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
Today is actually the "mild" part of the weekend.
Essential Prep for Today
Since you now know what is the weather in minneapolis minnesota today, here is how to actually handle it without losing a finger to frostbite.
First, check your tires. The drop in temperature usually triggers that annoying low-pressure light on your dashboard. Second, if you're driving, keep a blanket in the back. It's not being paranoid; it's being a local.
If you're staying in, it's a perfect day for a "Twin Cities crawl" through the skyway system if you're downtown. You can get your steps in, grab a coffee, and never actually touch the 11-degree air.
Next Steps for Your Saturday:
- Layer Up: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add wool or fleece, and finish with a windproof shell.
- Check the Skyways: If you’re heading downtown, map out your route through the indoor bridges to avoid the northwest wind.
- Vehicle Check: Ensure your antifreeze is rated for sub-zero temps and your gas tank is at least half full to prevent line freeze.