Duluth, MN – A prolonged and dangerous Arctic cold outbreak is gripping northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Cold Weather Advisories across the Northland through noon CST Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, wind chills are expected to range from 30 to 40 degrees below zero, creating life-threatening conditions where frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The advisory covers a large portion of northern Minnesota, including Duluth, International Falls, Ely, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Pine City, Aitkin, Walker, and Ely, as well as wilderness areas such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. The coldest wind chills—approaching 40 below zero—are expected in Cook and Lake counties, including higher terrain along the North Shore.
In northern Wisconsin, cold weather advisories remain in effect for Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, and Price counties, including communities such as Superior, Hayward, Spooner, Ashland, Bayfield, Phillips, and Hurley. Wind chills in these areas may drop to 30 below zero.
Strong northwest winds early Monday are worsening conditions along the Lake Superior shoreline, particularly in southern Cook and Lake counties, where gusts up to 45 mph could cause blowing snow, falling tree limbs, and isolated power outages.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers, and fully cover exposed skin. Pets should be kept indoors, and outdoor animals must have access to warm shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Drivers are advised to keep emergency supplies in vehicles and be prepared for rapidly worsening conditions.
The cold is expected to slowly ease Tuesday afternoon, but officials stress that the next 24 hours pose serious health risks across the region.
