Minneapolis, Minnesota – Dangerously cold air is set to surge into Minnesota late this week, bringing life-threatening wind chills and some of the coldest temperatures of the season as an arctic blast tightens its grip across the Upper Midwest.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, extreme cold will move into Minnesota on Friday, with conditions worsening through the weekend and lingering into early next week. Wind chills could plunge as low as minus 40 to minus 50 degrees in northern and central Minnesota, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
Statewide, daytime highs are expected to remain well below zero in many areas, with single-digit highs possible even in southern Minnesota. Minneapolis and St. Paul could see wind chills drop to around minus 35 by Saturday morning, while places like Duluth, International Falls, and Bemidji face the highest risk for prolonged exposure dangers.
The cold will affect travel, schools, and infrastructure. Minnesota DOT officials urge drivers to keep emergency kits in vehicles, limit travel during overnight hours, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Residents are advised to check heating systems, protect exposed pipes, and limit time outdoors. Frostbite can occur in minutes under these conditions.
The bitter cold is expected to linger into early next week, with additional cold weather advisories or warnings likely. Officials urge residents to monitor local alerts as conditions evolve.
