Minnesota Winter Prep: The 1-Minute Outdoor Chore You Can’t Ignore

October weather can be a roller coaster, but this year it has been pretty nice. We're going to get the last drop of summer this weekend with high temps expected to be in the 80s across a lot of Minnesota, and by next week temps will plummet into the 50s.

We typically experience our first hard freeze of the season this month, and before you know it, there will be snow on the ground. Many are wondering how this winter will shape up and what they should do to prepare their house.

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What Will The Winter of 2026/2027 Be Like in Minnesota?

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Forecasters predict a "Super El Niño" will push the polar jet stream north during the 2026–2027 winter. El Niño typically brings warmer temperatures and lower snowfall to Minnesota. However, the Minnesota DNR cautions that severe storms can still occur.

The Farmers' Almanac says it might be warmer and drier overall, but they say we should expect fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps, and slick, unpredictable travel conditions.

How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter in Minnesota

Some people go all-in with their winter prep, while others don’t do much at all. But there’s one simple task that everyone should absolutely do because skipping it could end up costing you thousands of dollars. Read about that below, but first, a few quick and easy things you can do to get ahead of the cold:

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• Check your windows and doors for drafts, and seal up any leaks with caulk or insulation kits.
• Clean out your gutters to avoid ice dams.
• Make sure your furnace is running well—change the filter if needed.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you're at it.

These are all simple steps, but there’s one that’s just as easy and often overlooked.

One Thing Every Minnesotan Needs to Do Right Now To Prepare for Winter

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Disconnect your garden hoses from outdoor faucets now before you forget.

Forgetting to do this can lead to expensive water damage inside your home. The cold winter air can trap water in your pipes. Once it freezes, that water expands, and it can cause your pipes or outdoor spigots to burst.

Take a minute to unscrew the hoses this weekend while it's still warm out. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.