Minnesota weather: Bright, cold and very windy on Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Expect a brighter but windy day on Thursday with wind gusts up to 50 mph possible. 

Thursday’s forecast in Minnesota 

What to expect:

A wind advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for central and southern Minnesota, with winds at 20-30+ mph and gusts reaching up to 50 mph. 

Expect sunshine primarily south of I-94, with increased cloud cover the further north you go. The metro will be an overall bright day, with passing clouds at times. 

Temperatures are much colder in northern Minnesota with highs in the single digits. The Twin Cities may reach around 20 degrees, but gusty winds will create wind chills in the single digits or below zero. 

Winds will gradually ease overnight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures dipping to the single digits in the metro and subzero up north.  

(FOX 9)

Accumulating snow chances 

What's next:

Friday will be much calmer, starting with morning sunshine before clouds increase throughout the day. Temperatures will be slightly below average, topping out in the lower 20s. 

A winter storm watch is in place from late Friday night through Saturday, with 6+ inches of snow possible in central and southern Minnesota.  

By Sunday, the snow will clear for a much colder but sunny day. A colder trend continues into next week, with highs dropping to the single digits by Tuesday. 

Here's a look at your seven-day forecast: 

(FOX 9)