Minnesota – The cold feels immediate and unforgiving across the Northland this morning. Wind howls off Lake Superior, snow lifts off frozen fields, and exposed skin stings within seconds as extreme cold tightens its grip on northeast Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through Tuesday morning for much of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Wind chills range from 25 to 40 degrees below zero, with the coldest readings reported inland from the lake. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes.
In Brainerd, temperatures dropped to around 11 below zero early today, with wind chills near 35 below. Duluth faces additional hazards. Strong northwest winds gusting up to 45 mph are creating areas of blowing snow, briefly cutting visibility and making travel hazardous along exposed stretches of Highway 53 and U.S. 2.
Lake-effect snow continues to impact the South Shore snow belts, including Iron County, Wisconsin. Light accumulations combined with wind create drifting and sudden whiteouts. Drivers should plan extra time and carry winter survival gear if travel is unavoidable.
The bitter cold holds through tonight. Lows sink to 10 to 15 below zero, and wind chills remain dangerously low into Tuesday morning. Conditions improve slightly Tuesday afternoon as winds ease, though highs stay near single digits.
Midweek brings modest relief. Highs climb into the teens Wednesday, with chances for light snow returning. Even then, refreezing remains a concern as any daytime melting quickly turns slick after sunset.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and check on vulnerable neighbors. This cold is serious and fast-acting.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot for Brainerd, Minnesota
- Today: Cold and blustery, high near 0°
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low near -10°
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 8°
- Wednesday: Chance of snow, high near 17°
- Thursday: Partly sunny and cold, high near 4°
