Minnesota Weather Alert: Frost Warning Could Wreck Your Weekend Plans

If you’re excited for Memorial Day weekend, you might want to hold off on putting out those delicate garden plants just yet. A Minnesota Weather Alert is in effect as frost risk and cooler-than-expected temperatures are expected to linger from Duluth to Brainerd. Even though it’s late May, Mother Nature is reminding us she still has some cold tricks up her sleeve.

What You Need to Know About This Minnesota Weather Alert

Friday night into Saturday morning, temperatures are expected to drop near freezing in parts of northeast Minnesota, prompting frost advisories earlier this week. While those advisories have expired, don’t let your guard down. Overnight lows in the low 40s could still lead to patchy frost in certain low spots and sheltered garden beds. If you’ve been planting tomatoes, peppers, or other frost-sensitive veggies, now’s the time to give them some extra care.

This Minnesota Weather Alert isn’t just about cold air—it’s about protecting your hard work and plans. Those chilly nights could slow down growth or even cause damage, so taking a few simple steps can make a big difference.

How to Stay Ahead of the Cold

• Cover up your plants with light blankets or cloths—avoid plastic to keep moisture from building up.

• Bring potted plants indoors overnight if you can.

• Delay planting anything super sensitive to frost until the forecast warms up.

• Keep an eye on local weather reports; things can change quickly.

• Water your plants before cold nights—moist soil helps keep roots warmer.

While the days will warm up a bit, the cool nights will stick around through the holiday weekend, so plan accordingly. Temperatures should start to feel more like summer by midweek, but for now, this cold snap is real—and it’s one you’ll want to prepare for.

FAQ About Minnesota Weather

1. What’s this Minnesota Weather Alert all about for my garden?

It means there’s a real chance of frost overnight, especially around Duluth and Brainerd. If you’ve got plants like tomatoes or peppers already growing, you’ll want to watch out because frost can seriously damage them.

2. How cold is it gonna get? Like, should I be worried?

Yeah, some spots might drop near freezing—around 29°F—early Saturday morning. Even though the official frost warning is over, those chilly nights in the low 40s can still cause frost in some spots, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. How do I keep my plants from freezing?

Easy stuff — cover your plants with a light blanket or cloth (don’t use plastic because it can trap moisture), bring any potted plants inside for the night, and if you haven’t planted frost-sensitive veggies yet, maybe hold off until it warms up. Also, watering your plants before a cold night helps keep the soil warm.

4. Is this cold weather sticking around all weekend?

Mostly at night. During the day, it’ll warm up into the 50s and 60s, but those cold nights and frost chances will stick around through Memorial Day weekend. Things should finally start warming up by midweek.

5. Where can I get the latest updates on the weather?

Keep an eye on local news or weather apps, check the National Weather Service online, or sign up for local alerts that can send updates straight to your phone. That way, you won’t get caught off guard.