Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Another mild day ahead before arctic air slams in Friday afternoon

Winds increase and gusts over 40 mph

Winds speeds for Friday
Winds speeds for Friday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via College of DuPage weather lab

Our January thaw continues with one more mild day of above-freezing temperatures. Winds will pick up as a strong arctic front moves through, with gusts reaching 30-40 mph. This next surge of arctic air will bring dangerously cold wind chills, ranging from 30 to 40 below zero.

Another mild day

A brief respite from the cold as Friday’s highs warm into the 30s and 40s. On Thursday, southwestern and western Minnesota saw temperatures around 43 degrees in Madison and 42 in Canby. Our record high temperature for this date is 44 degrees, dating back to 1894.

Highs for Friday
Highs for Friday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Weather conditions will change quite dramatically as our arctic front slams into the region. Winds will increase out of the northwest and gusts over 30 to 40 mph.

Winds speeds for Friday
Winds speeds for Friday
NOAA, via College of DuPage weather lab

Temperatures will continue to drop across the state through Friday afternoon and into the evening hours.

Temperatures Friday morning through Saturday morning
Temperatures Friday morning through Saturday morning showing the cold front progression
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Light snow will accompany the front, bringing an inch or less to northern Minnesota. With the snow and breezy winds, a winter weather advisory has been issued for northwestern Minnesota.

Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory
National Weather Service
Snowfall potential
Snowfall potential for Friday
National Weather Service

The heart of the arctic air won't settle in until Saturday night through Tuesday, but temperatures will begin to drop significantly on Saturday. Single-digit highs, both above and below zero, are expected across the state.

Highs for Saturday
Highs for Saturday
NOAA

Dangerously cold wind chills are expected as temperatures plummet to subzero highs on Sunday and Monday. Wind chills between 20 and 40 below zero will be widespread.

Minimum wind chill forecast
Minimum wind chill forecast
National Weather Service

Extreme cold watches and warnings will likely be issued in response to this frigid forecast.

Monday's temperatures showing extent of deep freeze
Monday's temperatures showing extent of deep freeze
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather