Jan 3, 2025 - News

Cold snap hits Twin Cities, much of the U.S.

Nick Halter

A map of the US showing low temperatures on Jan. 7 reaching the single digits in Minnesota and the 20s and 30s in the Southeastern United States — Map showing forecast minimum temperatures on Jan. 7 as Arctic air moves into the U.S. Image: Pivotal Weather/NOAA

While much of the country prepares for dangerously chilly temperatures, Minnesotans are expecting a pretty normal January cold snap starting Friday.

What to expect: Highs in the teens and overnight lows around zero for the next nine days, according to the National Weather Service as well as meteorologist Paul Douglas.

As Douglas notes, that's a long way from "pioneer cold." We normally get about 20 days of below-zero temperatures in the Twin Cities each year, according to Fox 9.

Zoom out: An Arctic outbreak featuring punishing cold weather is beginning across much of the U.S., reports Axios' Andrew Freedman.

Threat level: The cold air is tied to a polar vortex and will hit the U.S. in waves, with the first moving in this week and a second early next week.

It's possible temperatures will drop to 32°F all the way to the Gulf Coast.

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Cold snap hits Twin Cities, much of the U.S.

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