In Minnetonka, Snow Is Followed By Arctic Cold Spell

MINNETONKA, MN — 2022 is off to a chilly start in Minnetonka, which is seeing the coldest weather since February.

After a storm dropped about three inches of snow onto the Twin Cities, an Arctic blast means temperatures will hover uncomfortably close to zero into the New Year. Much of central and northern Minnesota are under a Wind Chill Advisory Wednesday, with some cities reporting temperatures as low as 40 below zero.

On Wednesday, Minnetonka woke up to a temperature of 5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. While temperatures are expected to rise to a balmy 22 degrees Thursday, a second cold front is expected to plunge temperatures back near zero.

Minnetonka’s New Year’s Eve high is expected to be about 7 degrees, and don’t plan on doing any outdoor final countdowns and champagne sipping unless you’re wearing two parkas: temperatures are expected to drop to negative 11 degrees, with winds of up to 10 miles an hour. Highs will bottom out New Year’s Day at negative 3 degrees, and drop to a frigid negative 17 Saturday night. Starting Sunday, temperatures will gradually increase. Highs in the 20s are expected the following week.

An official Wind Chill Advisory has not yet been issued in the Twin Cities for Friday and Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a number of extreme cold safety tips, including minimizing travel whenever possible; keeping a winter survival kit inside your vehicle; checking tire pressure, antifreeze levels, and the heater and defroster in your car; and shutting off water valves for potential pipe bursts.

Hennepin County has compiled a list of severe cold warming centers in and around Minneapolis, which include all Hennepin County libraries.

Minnetonka is also opening warming houses at seven rinks: Boulder Creek, Covington, Ground Tonka, McKenzie, Meadow, and Spring Hills parks, as well as Glen Lake school. See the park directory for street addresses.

Hopkins rinks are also hosting warm houses. See here for more information and schedules.