Bismarck, North Dakota – A widespread blast of extreme Arctic cold is dominating the Midwest, stretching from the northern Plains into Illinois, with life-threatening wind chills creating dangerous conditions for millions through Friday and into the weekend in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service, Extreme Cold Warnings are in effect across much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and parts of Nebraska and Michigan. Wind chills as low as 55 below zero are being reported in portions of North Dakota and northern Minnesota, with 30 to 45 below zero common across the central Midwest by early Friday.
North Dakota remains at the core of the cold, especially across the James River Valley, where frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as five minutes. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the cold intensifies Thursday night, including the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Green Bay regions. Farther south, northern and central Illinois, including the Chicago metro area, will see wind chills plunge between 30 and 40 below early Friday, posing serious risks to anyone outdoors.
Officials urge residents to limit time outside, dress in multiple layers, and ensure pets and livestock are protected. Water pipes may freeze, and vehicle failures are possible in the coldest conditions.
Extreme Cold Warnings remain in effect through Friday for much of the region, with additional watches extending into the weekend as dangerously cold air lingers.
