Grand Forks, ND – Life-threatening cold conditions continue across parts of northwest and north-central Minnesota and northeast North Dakota, with dangerously low wind chills prompting an Extreme Cold Warning through Saturday midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, wind chills have dropped as low as −44 to −45 degrees, posing a serious risk of frostbite in as little as 10 minutes on exposed skin. The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until noon Saturday, after which a Cold Weather Advisory will continue through noon Sunday.
The warning and advisory cover a wide area including Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Crookston, Roseau, Cavalier, Park Rapids, and Red Lake Falls, along with surrounding communities across northeastern North Dakota and north-central Minnesota.
While conditions may slightly improve Saturday afternoon, forecasters say wind chills as low as −37 degrees are still expected overnight and into Sunday morning. Even brief exposure outdoors can be dangerous without proper protection.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and dress in multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings if going outside. Travelers should use extreme caution and ensure vehicles are winter-ready in case of emergencies.
Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, children, and those without adequate heating, as the prolonged cold increases the risk of cold-related illnesses.
Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate later Sunday into early next week, but officials warn that dangerous cold will remain a threat until then.
