Weather
Minnesota Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Wind Chill Dangers
St. Paul, MN – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Minneapolis bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26,
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-26T07:09:33.139Z
St. Paul, MN – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Minneapolis bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Minnesota residents are being reminded that extreme cold and strong winds can make outdoor exposure dangerous much faster than expected.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Wind accelerates heat loss from the body, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These estimates depend on conditions and individual exposure.
Frostbite symptoms include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor updated forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature, although strong winds can cause them to cool faster.
How Can Minnesota Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves, face coverings and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, flashlight and winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Minnesota From Minneapolis and Hennepin County to St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Mankato, Bemidji, Brainerd and International Falls, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Minnesota, including Koochiching, St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties, can experience prolonged periods of severe cold during Arctic outbreaks.
Communities along the Iron Range, including Hibbing, Virginia and Ely, may face particularly dangerous wind chills when subzero temperatures combine with strong winds.
Along Lake Superior, Duluth and Two Harbors residents may encounter gusty winter conditions that increase heat loss from exposed skin.
Across western and southern Minnesota, open farmland and exposed highways can leave outdoor workers and stranded motorists vulnerable.
In the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area, commuters waiting for Metro Transit buses or light rail trains may face prolonged exposure during extreme cold.
Travelers along Interstate 35, Interstate 94, Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 169 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.