Duluth, Minnesota – Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to greet parts of Minnesota on New Year’s morning, with dangerous wind chills forecast across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, low temperatures of 5 to 20 degrees below zero are expected early Thursday, with wind chills ranging from 20 to 35 degrees below zero across northeast Minnesota. The coldest wind chills are forecast in inland areas, including Cook County, where conditions may be more severe.
Forecasters warn that at these temperatures, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, especially when winds remain elevated overnight. Residents planning to be outdoors late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning are urged to take precautions.
The coldest conditions are expected around daybreak Thursday, with temperatures slowly moderating later in the morning. Even with some improvement, wind chills are likely to remain well below zero for several hours after sunrise.
The National Weather Service advises wearing multiple layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors whenever possible. Pets should be brought indoors, and vehicles may require extra time to start in extreme cold.
For early-morning commuters and New Year’s travelers, the extreme cold may impact vehicle performance and increase the risk of cold-related health issues.
This update reflects the latest guidance from the National Weather Service and does not include forecast extrapolation beyond the posted outlook. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official updates as New Year’s morning approaches.
