Minneapolis Weather Radar
Minneapolis Live Weather
Minneapolis Live Weather Radar
Minneapolis Hourly Weather Forecast
Minneapolis 7-Day Weather Forecast
Minneapolis Weather Overview
The Minneapolis weather radar tracks some of the nation's most extreme conditions, from Arctic blizzards to severe summer thunderstorms. Located where cold northern air collides with Gulf moisture, the Twin Cities experience a 149-degree temperature range — from a record high of 108°F down to -41°F. The humid-continental climate creates winter cold that ranks among America's harshest and summer heat that can turn violent fast.
Blizzards dominate the Minneapolis weather radar from November through March. The legendary Halloween Blizzard of 1991 buried the metro under 28.4 inches of snow with 60+ mph winds between October 31 and November 3. During the January 2014 polar vortex, temperatures plunged to -23°F with wind chills hitting -50°F — cold enough to cause frostbite within minutes. The Minneapolis weather radar becomes essential survival information when the NWS office issues extreme cold warnings below -35°F. Alberta Clippers sweep across the region regularly, dumping several inches of snow in hours.
Spring and summer bring a different threat. The Minneapolis weather radar tracks severe thunderstorms that can spawn tornadoes with minimal warning. The May 1965 outbreak sent multiple F4 tornadoes across the metro, including the Fridley tornado that killed 13 and injured 683. Doppler radar now detects rotation signatures 20-30 minutes before touchdown. Flash flooding strikes when slow-moving storms stall over low-lying areas. The city averages 31.6 inches of precipitation annually across about 119 days, with 2019's record 43.2 inches driven by relentless thunderstorms.
Minneapolis Weather Risks & Safety
Blizzard & Heavy Snow Risk
Minneapolis gets hit by blizzards when Arctic air combines with moisture — 12+ inches of snow, 35+ mph winds, near-zero visibility. On the radar you can watch the storm bands approach and figure out exactly when the worst will arrive. That timing matters: get your errands done before the bands reach you, and be ready for power outages and road closures that can last days.
Extreme Cold & Wind Chill Risk
When Arctic air drops into Minneapolis, temperatures plunge well below zero and wind chill values become dangerous — frostbite can set in within minutes of exposed skin. On the radar, watch for the approaching cold front and any precipitation behind it that could freeze on contact. Before it hits: insulate your pipes, stock up on heating fuel, and plan to stay indoors. Wind chill advisories in Minneapolis mean business.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Minneapolis regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Minneapolis, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes hit Minneapolis hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Minneapolis averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.
How to Use Minneapolis Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
View the real-time weather status at the top of the Minneapolis radar page — temperature, wind speed, humidity, and current conditions give you an instant snapshot of what's happening right now across the Twin Cities metro.
Watch the Radar Map
The Minneapolis doppler weather radar shows precipitation and storm movement in real time. Toggle between precipitation and cloud cover views, then hit play on the animation to see which direction blizzards, thunderstorms, or tornadoes are tracking across central Minnesota.
Review the Forecast
Scroll down to the hourly and 7-day forecast. Look for incoming blizzards, extreme cold warnings, or severe thunderstorm watches that could impact Minneapolis. Winter storms can develop quickly, so check back frequently during the cold season.
Plan Around the Weather
Blizzard moving in? Stock up and stay off the roads. Polar vortex approaching? Prepare for dangerous wind chills below -40°F. Minneapolis weather can shift from mild to life-threatening within hours during winter, so use the radar to stay ahead.
Who Benefits from Minneapolis Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Minneapolis commuters crossing I-35W and I-94 face some of the nation's most extreme winter weather. Check the radar before your drive — see where blizzard bands are hitting, whether ice is forming on bridges, and when wind chills will drop to dangerous levels.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Runners on the Greenway and cyclists along the Mississippi River Trail — check the hourly forecast before heading out. Spring and summer severe thunderstorms can develop fast across the Twin Cities, and the radar shows rotation signatures 20-30 minutes before tornadoes touch down.
Event Planners & Families
Planning an outdoor event at Target Field or Minnehaha Park? The 7-day forecast helps pick the best day. On event day, radar shows exactly when severe thunderstorms will roll across downtown Minneapolis or when blizzard conditions will make travel impossible.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews across the Twin Cities metro — check the radar before scheduling outdoor pours or roofing work. Winter brings dangerous cold and sudden blizzards, while summer brings damaging hail and tornadoes with very little lead time.