Minnesotans Getting Another Dose Of Arctic Cold
Thanks to El Niño, the winter was off to a relatively mild start. But the National Weather Service says Minnesota is in for dangerously frigid weather this weekend.
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Thanks to El Niño, the winter was off to a relatively mild start. But the National Weather Service says Minnesota is in for dangerously frigid weather this weekend.
Each Friday, we answer some of our viewers' burning questions. This week, John Lauritsen finds the best way to warm up your car in the winter, some unfamiliar faces at the State of the Union address, and how meteorologists measure wind chill.
Bitterly cold temperatures are settling into Minnesota, prompting forecasters and others to warn about frostbite.
Some residents of southeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota were surprised by heavy snowfall.
Much of southern Minnesota awoke to a layer of snow that came too late for a White Christmas. The National Weather Service says Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had 2 inches of snow by 6 a.m. Saturday. Another inch or two of snow was expected across the Twin Cities area Saturday afternoon and evening.
Weather officials say heavy frost on metro roadways Sunday morning led to several accidents and spinouts.
Wisconsin is getting a soaking from rare December rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for southwestern, south-central and southeastern Wisconsin as a slug of rain pushes northward into Wisconsin from the central U.S.
Minnesota is starting off December with temperatures that don't bode well for a white Christmas. WCCO-TV meteorologist Matt Brickman says Monday's highs look to be in the mid-40s, with sunshine and breezes from the southwest. Overnight temperatures will barely dip below freezing.
After an early morning wave of snow snarled the morning commute, the second wave is already moving into the state. Snow is already falling in southwestern Minnesota and is expected to reach the metro by early afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and watches for a large part of southern Minnesota, eastern South Dakota and western Iowa ahead of a strengthening storm system.
It's late October, and snow is falling in Minnesota. The storm system that moved into the state Tuesday brought snow Wednesday morning as temperatures dropped.
Some people in Minnesota and Wisconsin are waking up to the chilly reality of fall temperatures. Readings Wednesday morning were in the 20s in parts of northern Minnesota and 30s in the central region as well as western Wisconsin.
Some tornadoes have touched down in west-central Minnesota. The National Weather Service says a storm chaser reported a brief tornado touchdown near Hawick in Kandiyohi County about 6 p.m. Thursday. Another tornado touched down earlier near Norway Lake, also in Kandiyohi County. The sheriff's office reports no damage.
Thousands are still without power in Minnesota more than a day after severe weather caused damage to power lines and outages across parts of the state.
The National Weather Service says an EF-1 tornado touched down in Carver County early Saturday morning during a loud and windy night of severe weather throughout the Twin Cities metro. The tornado caused extensive damage to trees and homes in Watertown and neighboring Hollywood Township.
A haze is blanketing much of the Midwest as strong winds carry smoke from forest fires in Canada thousands of miles to the south. National Weather Service forecasters say Tuesday that smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan is blowing as far south as Tennessee. A thick band of smoke extends through much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Forecasters say there's a risk of flash flooding in southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected over southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin, with up to 6 inches in localized areas. A flash flood watch has been issued for those areas.
Summer-like weather has hit Minnesota, with highs reaching the 90s in southern and central parts of the state. The National Weather Service says Appleton in western Minnesota peaked at 99 degrees Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says a trained spotter reported a tornado touchdown just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday near Montevideo. Law enforcement reported part of a roof blow off a building at a farmstead about seven miles north of Montevideo.
A May snowstorm has dumped more than a foot of snow in South Dakota's Black Hills.
One day after golf-ball-sized hail fell across the Twin Cities, families are adding up the damage from the storm.
ome of the coldest air of the season has settled into Minnesota. The bottom dropped out of readings in the northern region of the state Thursday. It's 31 below in Ely and Fosston, 28 below at Bemidji and 25 below in Brainerd. That's without the wind chill factor.
Southern Minnesota is digging out from a winter storm that is pushing across the Plains and Midwest.
As a blizzard slams the Northeast, mid-winter warmth is breaking records in the Northern Plains. Record-high temperatures in the 50s and 60s were set in parts of the region Monday, and Tuesday temperatures were expected to climb even higher — into the 70s even in southwestern South Dakota.
While temperatures climbed above zero in Minnesota on Thursday, schools across the state were still canceling classes as strong winds threaten blowing snow and dangerous driving conditions.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
Democratic U.S. Reps. Angie Craig and Betty McCollum said Friday that they were denied entry to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at the Whipple federal Building in Minneapolis.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Democratic U.S. Reps. Angie Craig and Betty McCollum said Friday that they were denied entry to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at the Whipple federal Building in Minneapolis.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
Grace Grocholski scored 21 points, Mara Braun added 16 and Minnesota beat No. 10 Iowa 91-85 on Thursday night for its fifth straight victory.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
Minnesota falls below freezing Friday, but a nice warmup is just around the corner, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Thousands of people oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by driving around every single day looking for agents. They consider it their job to stop arrests when they can. Advocacy groups say they've trained tens of thousands of people on how to do it safely and legally. Some of those observers have been arrested, or, in the case of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, killed. Conor Wight hopped into the backseat with some observers to show us how they operate.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
We've heard the call from federal officials for counties to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several Minnesota sheriff's departments have what's called a 287(g) agreement with the agency. It can be controversial. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. The sheriff allowed WCCO into the Crow Wing County jail to talk about the agreements only with Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle.
After smashing an anti-ICE sculpture on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, a far-right influencer has been told to stay away. A Ramsey County judge ordered Jake Lang to stay three blocks away from the Minnesota State Capitol. WCCO's Reg Chapman talked with the veterans group behind the sculpture.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.