The air might look clear today, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a walk in the park.
- Bundle Up, Seriously: We're sitting at a crisp -9.9°C (that's about 14°F for those still using Fahrenheit), and while the skies are clear, sustained exposure at these temps is no joke. Frostbite happens faster than you think, especially if there's any breeze.
- Ice, Ice, Baby: Remember that "major blizzard" from just last week? The heavy snow and high winds might be gone, but the ice and compacted snow on unplowed or less-trafficked paths definitely aren't. Expect treacherous footing, particularly in shaded areas or on less-maintained trails like those leading down to the Mississippi River.
- Construction Chaos Continues: There's always some project going on, and Saint Paul's no exception. The Kellogg Blvd/3rd Street bridge replacement is a multi-year saga still causing full road closures, and other public works projects mean lane restrictions are a constant. Specifically, if you're planning on hitting Crosby Park Regional Park, know that the boardwalk and fishing pier are completely shut down for rebuilding.
Air Quality & Allergies
Good news on the sniffle front: pollen levels are mercifully low. However, our Air Quality Index is currently sitting at 67, which falls into the "Moderate" category. The dominant pollutant is inhalable particulate matter (<10µm). For most folks, this isn't a huge deal, but if you've got sensitive lungs, you might feel it on a longer run. Nothing that'll sideline you completely, but something to keep in mind if you're pushing hard.
Workout Wisdom for Saint Paul Today
You want to get outside? I get it. Just don't be an idiot about it.
Extreme Cold & Hidden Ice: Your Biggest Enemy Today. With temperatures firmly in the negatives, exposed skin is at high risk of frostbite in minutes. Think layers, then add another layer. And assume every single patch of pavement or dirt is a black ice trap. Spikes or Yaktrax aren't overkill today; they're smart.
Trail & Road Closures Are a Real Thing. Don't just blindly follow your usual route, especially if it takes you near ongoing construction, like the seemingly eternal Kellogg Boulevard bridge project. Even areas along the Mississippi River might have unexpected closures due to ice or construction work. Check the city's public works and parks & rec sites before you head out, or you'll be backtracking in the bitter cold.
Hydration and Communication are Key. It's easy to forget to drink water when it's this cold, but you're still losing fluids. Stay hydrated. Also, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. A fall on ice or an unexpected closure could leave you stranded, and nobody wants to be picked up by search and rescue because they thought a five-mile run in sub-zero temps was "just a quick jog."
Run safe, Saint Paul. Or just hit the treadmill. No shame in that game today.
Data grounded with KVIA from February 25, 2026, and Saint Paul Minnesota from February 6, 2026.