Duluth, Minnesota – An intense surge of Arctic air is poised to move back into northeastern Minnesota late this week, bringing what forecasters say could be the coldest conditions of the season and life-threatening wind chills through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, dangerously cold Arctic air will settle into the Northland late Thursday, with the worst conditions expected Thursday night into Saturday. Wind chills could bottom out between 40 and 60 degrees below zero in parts of northern Minnesota, including areas near International Falls, Ely, and the Boundary Waters. Even Duluth and communities along Lake Superior could see wind chills plunge well below 30 below zero.
Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above zero across much of the region, with some northern locations remaining well below zero even during the afternoon hours. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the teens and 20s below zero, with colder pockets farther inland. Light winds at times will do little to ease the cold, and periods of stronger winds could sharply worsen conditions.
The extreme cold poses serious risks, including frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes and increased strain on vehicles, heating systems, and infrastructure. Officials urge residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and ensure pets and livestock are protected.
This Arctic outbreak is expected to persist through the weekend, with the coldest air of the season firmly in place. Additional cold weather advisories or warnings are likely as the event approaches and confidence continues to increase.
