Grand Forks, ND – A life-threatening Arctic outbreak continues to grip the northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota region as an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until noon Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks. After the warning expires, a Cold Weather Advisory will take over through noon Sunday, extending hazardous conditions into the weekend.
According to NWS meteorologists, wind chills could fall as low as 45 below zero through Saturday morning in areas including Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Beltrami, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Clearwater, Hubbard, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Ramsey, and Walsh counties. Even after temperatures slowly climb Saturday afternoon, values may still dip to 40 below zero, maintaining a severe frostbite risk.
Officials warn that wind chills this extreme can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, particularly in open or rural areas where winds are strongest. Cities such as Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Devils Lake, Park Rapids, Grafton, Hallock, and Roseau will remain under harsh conditions throughout the period.
Forecasters say the coldest air will settle across the region overnight into early Saturday before gradually moderating, though lethally cold wind chills will persist into Sunday morning. Residents are urged to dress in layers, cover hands and faces, and avoid extended outdoor activity. Emergency officials also emphasize heater safety indoors and remind travelers that vehicle breakdowns in these temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.
More updates will be issued as the Arctic air mass remains entrenched across the Upper Midwest.
