Minneapolis Shivers Through Coolest May Day Before Weekend Warmth Returns

Key facts

• Friday's high in Minneapolis is around 55°F, below average for May.
• Northeastern Minnesota remains cooler, with highs in the 40s.
• Overnight lows dip into the 30s, with patchy frost possible Saturday morning.
• Saturday sees highs in the low to mid-60s, with a few showers possible overnight.
• Sunday brings sunshine and highs in the upper 60s.
• Monday could see scattered showers with highs in the 60s.
• Temperatures drop back to the 50s on Tuesday for a couple of days before rebounding.

A Chilly Start to May

Minneapolis residents woke to a cool and partly cloudy Friday, marking the first day of May with temperatures stubbornly below seasonal norms. The Twin Cities metro area is expected to reach a high of only 55 degrees, while northeastern Minnesota languishes in the 40s. Light northerly winds at 5 to 10 mph keep the air feeling brisk, and areas of patchy fog and passing clouds linger through the morning before a brighter afternoon emerges. The cool pattern, which has held for days, is finally set to break.

Weekend Warmth on the Horizon

Saturday will bring seasonable sunshine with highs climbing into the low to mid-60s, a noticeable improvement from Friday's chill. However, a few showers are possible overnight, potentially dampening late-evening plans. Sunday looks to be the pick of the weekend, with plenty of sunshine and highs reaching the upper 60s. The warm-up offers a brief respite before the next weather system arrives.

Scattered Showers and a Midweek Cooldown

Monday could see a few scattered showers, though temperatures remain in the 60s. The mild conditions are short-lived, as a cold front is expected to push temperatures back into the 50s on Tuesday. That cooler pattern is forecast to persist for a couple of days before a rebound by the end of next week. The seven-day outlook shows a typical springtime seesaw, with warmth and chill alternating.

Overnight Frost Risk

Friday night skies clear, allowing temperatures to drop into the 30s across much of the state. Areas of patchy frost are possible heading into Saturday morning, posing a risk for sensitive plants. Gardeners and farmers are advised to take precautions, as the frost could damage early-season crops. The cool start to May is not unprecedented but underscores the variability of spring weather in Minnesota.

What the Forecast Means for Residents

For many in the Twin Cities, the chilly start to May is a disappointment after a relatively mild April. The weekend warm-up will be welcome, but the threat of showers and a midweek cooldown means outdoor plans may need to be flexible. Commuters should be aware of potential fog Friday morning, and those with Saturday evening events should have a backup plan. The frost risk early Saturday could affect early bloomers in gardens.

Looking Ahead: A Return to Seasonable Norms

By the end of next week, temperatures are expected to rebound, bringing more typical May weather. The pattern suggests a gradual warming trend, though with occasional interruptions. Friday is the last day of the cool pattern, with warmer days ahead. The extended forecast indicates that after the midweek dip, the region will settle into a more seasonable regime.

The bottom line

• Friday's high of 55°F in Minneapolis is below average for May, with northeastern Minnesota even cooler in the 40s.
• Weekend temperatures rebound to the 60s, with Sunday offering the best conditions: sunny and upper 60s.
• Scattered showers are possible Saturday night and Monday, but no major storms are expected.
• Overnight lows in the 30s Friday could bring patchy frost Saturday morning, affecting gardens.
• A midweek cooldown returns highs to the 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday before a rebound by week's end.