Minneapolis, MN – Large portions of Minnesota and western Wisconsin remain under multiple Cold Weather Advisories as an intense Arctic air mass continues to drive wind chills as low as 35 below zero through 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen.
Forecasters warn that the combination of bitterly cold temperatures and persistent northwesterly winds is creating life-threatening conditions, with frostbite possible in as little as 10 minutes on exposed skin during the coldest periods late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Areas Impacted by the Cold Weather Advisory
The advisory covers a wide swath of central, east-central, south-central, and southeast Minnesota, along with northwest and west-central Wisconsin.
In Minnesota, affected counties include Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Chisago, Dakota, Nicollet, Rice, Goodhue, Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn, among others.
Across Wisconsin, the advisory extends into Polk, Barron, Rusk, Dunn, Pepin, Eau Claire, St. Croix, Pierce, and Chippewa counties, where wind chills may also reach 35 below zero overnight.
Additional Advisory Zones and Timing
A separate Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday for parts of southern and southwestern Minnesota. Counties included in this zone are Brown, Watonwan, Martin, Faribault, Lac Qui Parle, Yellow Medicine, and Redwood, where wind chills are expected to fall to 30 below zero.
Another large advisory zone includes Douglas, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stevens, Pope, Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Isanti, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Wright, Renville, and McLeod counties, all of which may experience wind chills near 35 below zero through Sunday morning.
Why This Cold Is Especially Dangerous
Meteorologists emphasize that even brief exposure to these temperatures can be extremely dangerous. Wind chills below -30°F significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for people working outdoors, traveling, or experiencing homelessness.
According to the National Weather Service, frostbite can begin on exposed skin in 10 minutes or less under these conditions. Hypothermia may develop when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to confusion, exhaustion, and potentially fatal outcomes if not treated quickly.
The coldest period is expected to occur late Saturday night through early Sunday morning, when winds remain strong and temperatures drop further after sunset.
Safety Recommendations From Forecasters
Officials urge residents across the advisory areas to take the cold seriously and adjust plans accordingly.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Dress in multiple loose-fitting layers to trap body heat
- Wear hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots
- Cover all exposed skin when outdoors
- Limit time outside, especially overnight and early morning
- Keep pets indoors and ensure livestock have shelter
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with medical needs
Drivers are also advised to keep winter emergency kits in vehicles, including blankets, extra clothing, food, water, and a fully charged phone, in case of breakdowns or delays.
Help for Those Without Heat or Shelter
Local and state officials remind residents that help is available for those struggling to stay warm. Anyone without access to reliable heating or shelter is encouraged to call 211, a free and confidential service that connects callers to warming centers, emergency shelters, and local assistance programs.
Emergency management agencies stress that no one should attempt to endure these conditions without proper protection, particularly overnight.
What to Expect Next
While wind chills are expected to slowly improve after Sunday morning as winds weaken, temperatures will remain well below seasonal averages into the start of the new week. Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service for any extensions or changes to advisories.
This prolonged cold snap serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with extreme winter weather in the Upper Midwest, where preparation and awareness can make a critical difference.
Stay informed, take precautions, and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during this period of dangerous cold. Share your experiences in the comments below.