MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Frost and freezing temperatures are expected across much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin late Friday night into Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
A Frost Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday for Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey and Washington counties, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Blaine and Stillwater. Temperatures as low as 34 degrees will lead to frost formation, the weather service said.
The frost could damage sensitive plants left outdoors, and tender plants that aren't covered may not survive the night, forecasters warned. Residents are urged to take steps now to protect plants from the cold.
Outside the core metro, a Freeze Warning is in effect for much of southern and east-central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, where temperatures are likely to drop below freezing. Lows there are expected to fall between 28 and 32 degrees, the weather service said.
The warning area includes Mankato, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Fairmont, Redwood Falls, Hutchinson, Mora, Rush City and Onamia in Minnesota, as well as Eau Claire, New Richmond, Pepin and Ladysmith in Wisconsin, according to a weather service map.
A Freeze Watch remains in effect for western and portions of central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Alexandria, Willmar, Elk River, Little Falls and Madison. Forecasters said increasing southwest winds late Friday night may keep temperatures milder in those areas.
The weather service also advised residents to drain outdoor watering systems ahead of the cold.
In the Twin Cities, Friday is expected to start cloudy before gradually clearing, with a high near 51 degrees. North winds of 15 to 20 mph could gust as high as 35 mph, according to the weather service forecast for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Forecasters said the gusty winds should ease in the afternoon and turn light Friday night.
Skies are expected to be clear Friday night, with areas of frost developing after 1 a.m. and a low around 35.
Warmer weather is on the way after the cold snap. Saturday is expected to be sunny and breezy with a high near 58, followed by highs near 65 on Sunday and Monday. Temperatures could reach the upper 60s Tuesday and the low 70s by Wednesday and Thursday, with a slight chance of showers both days, according to the forecast.
Here's the detailed forecast for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport from the National Weather Service:
Today: Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 51. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Tonight: Areas of frost after 1am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 35. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 45. South southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 65. South southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South southwest wind around 10 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Light southeast wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. South southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
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