Minneapolis, MN – Much of central, east-central, south-central, and southeast Minnesota as well as northwest and west-central Wisconsin remains under a Cold Weather Advisory through 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Twin Cities/Chanhassen office.
In the broader advisory area—including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Chisago, Dakota, Nicollet, Rice, Goodhue, Waseca, Steele, Freeborn, and adjacent Wisconsin counties such as Polk, Barron, Rusk, Dunn, Pepin, Eau Claire, St. Croix, Pierce, and Chippewa—wind chills may fall to 35 below zero, producing frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.
A separate advisory from 6 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday includes Brown, Watonwan, Martin, Faribault, Lac Qui Parle, Yellow Medicine, and Redwood counties, where wind chills are expected to drop to 30 below zero.
Another large advisory zone covering Douglas, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stevens, Pope, Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Isanti, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Wright, Renville, and McLeod counties will also see wind chills down to 35 below zero through Sunday morning.
Forecasters warn that the combination of cold temperatures and brisk northwesterly winds will create life-threatening conditions for anyone outdoors without proper protection. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur rapidly, especially during the coldest period: late tonight through early Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, limit time outdoors, and keep pets indoors. Those without access to reliable heating are encouraged to call 211 to locate warming centers or emergency shelter options.
