Bismarck, North Dakota – Life-threatening Arctic cold is dominating the northern Plains, with Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota facing some of the most dangerous wind chills in the country, capable of causing frostbite in as little as five minutes.
According to the National Weather Service, Extreme Cold Warnings are widespread across the Dakotas and much of Nebraska. In North Dakota, wind chills are plunging as low as 55 below zero, especially across the James River Valley and central portions of the state. These conditions can freeze exposed skin in just minutes and rapidly lead to hypothermia.
South Dakota is also under Extreme Cold Warnings, with wind chills dropping between 40 and 45 below zero overnight into Friday. Areas including Aberdeen, Watertown, Mobridge, and Pierre face especially dangerous exposure risks, even during brief trips outdoors.
In Nebraska, the core of the cold is focused across north-central and northeastern parts of the state, where wind chills are expected to fall between 30 and 35 below zero by early Friday. Cities including Norfolk, O’Neill, Valentine, and Ainsworth could see frostbite develop on exposed skin within minutes.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, wear full winter protection including face coverings and insulated gloves, and keep pets and livestock sheltered. Vehicle failures and frozen pipes are likely in the coldest areas.
Extreme Cold Warnings remain in effect through Friday across much of the region, with lingering cold watches into the weekend as Arctic air slowly loosens its grip.
