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Extreme cold warnings and watches are in effect across parts of the region as an arctic air outbreak brings dangerous wind chills capable of causing frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. Here’s how to best prepare for the incoming cold.

There’s no doubt about it: Some of the coldest temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere are on the way. A brutal chunk of arctic air is breaking off and set to plunge southward during the second half of the workweek and into the upcoming weekend.

Arctic air will pour into the region on gusty northwest winds, bringing the coldest stretch of weather many have seen in years. Temperatures high in the atmosphere are expected to drop to levels not seen since January 2019, setting the stage for dangerously frigid conditions at the surface.

You can see in the graphics below a chunk of arctic air (shown in white) rotating southward, moving over the state starting Thursday, with some of the coldest air expected Thursday night through Saturday.

Temperatures will fall below zero in the Twin Cities Thursday afternoon and are expected to stay below zero until midday Sunday. 

In northern Minnesota, readings will drop below zero as early as Wednesday evening and remain subzero for more than 100 hours, lasting through midday Monday.

By late Thursday night into Friday morning, wind chills are expected to reach dangerously low levels as bitter arctic air spreads across the region.

In the Northland, wind chills could drop as low as 50 below zero while readings in the Twin Cities metro area are expected to fall between 25 and 35 below zero.

Extreme cold watches and warnings will cover much of the Upper Midwest starting Wednesday night in northern Minnesota and continuing through Saturday. In southern Minnesota, the extreme cold warnings are expected to take effect later, beginning Thursday night. 

The National Weather Service issues different types of cold weather alerts to let people know how dangerous the cold can be and what steps to take to stay safe. Here’s what each type of cold weather alert means:

When cold weather alerts are issued, it is important to take precautions to prevent life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dressing appropriately is essential for staying safe during extreme conditions.

Layering clothing helps trap heat, while hats, scarves, and gloves protect extremities where heat loss occurs most quickly. Covering all exposed skin is crucial as frostbite can develop in minutes when temperatures drop far below freezing. 

Frostbite and hypothermia are serious risks during this arctic outbreak. Frostbite can develop in just minutes when wind chills reach these extreme levels. The deeper blue areas on the chart indicate wind chills that could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to shivering, confusion, slurred speech and extreme fatigue, and can be life-threatening if not treated. 

To stay safe, cover all exposed skin, wearing layers, staying dry, and limiting time spent outdoors.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Extreme cold warnings and watches are in effect across parts of the region as an arctic air outbreak brings dangerous wind chills capable of causing frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. How to best prepare for the incoming cold.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

850 millibar potential temperature for 6 a.m. Thursday

University at Albany-Alicia Bentley

850 millibar potential temperature for 6 p.m. Thursday

Twin Cities temperatures Thursday through Wednesday

NOAA via IDSS (Impact-Based Decision Support Services) forecast points

Minimum wind chill forecast Thursday through Saturday

Arctic outbreak on the way: What it means and how to prepare

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