Subzero Super Bowl?

Minnesotans of a certain age hearken back to the lore of the frozen tundra. Bud Grant's icy breath on the sideline. Towering ice palaces. Lakes still frozen solid in April.

So it's poetic justice that after two of the mildest winters on record in Minnesota, Super Bowl LII would be an arctic affair.

Arctic invasion next weekend?

It's looking more likely that we'll see a subzero arctic shot Super Bowl weekend. The upper-air maps suggest a deep, cold low-pressure wave plunging into the central U.S. late next week.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

1 26 500
NOAA

At the surface, temperatures are likely to be well below average as we move into early February. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's eight to 14 day outlook paints a sea of blue anchored over Minnesota.

The early numbers will likely change some, but the notion of subzero cold for Super Bowl weekend is growing.

1 26 16
NOAA GFS via Meteostar.

Stay tuned and prepare to dress in layers next weekend. Vikings swag encouraged.

Friday thaw

Minnesota rose the northern edge of a mild Pacific air mass Friday. The Twin Cities topped out at 47 degrees.

1 26 meso
Oklahoma mesonet

A cool front brings temperatures closer to January reality in the next few days.

1 26 wx
NOAA via Weather Bell