Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Upper Midwest remains at the center of a historic Arctic outbreak that is expected to keep the region locked in life-threatening cold through the end of January and into early February. Temperatures are plunging well below zero across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan, with some locations seeing little daytime recovery and overnight lows dropping to dangerous levels.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February strongly favors much below normal temperatures across the Upper Midwest. This is the core of the national cold surge, with parts of northern Minnesota facing extreme lows approaching negative 60 degrees, underscoring the severity and persistence of the Arctic air mass.
The impacts across the Upper Midwest are significant. Frostbite can occur within minutes, heating systems are under heavy strain, and frozen pipes remain a major concern. Snow and blowing snow continue to affect travel, while icy roads are likely along I-94, I-90, I-35, I-80, and rural highways. Rapid temperature drops also raise the risk of frost quakes as the ground contracts under extreme cold.
While brief moderation is possible at times, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, limit outdoor exposure, prepare homes and vehicles for extreme cold, and stay alert as additional cold weather warnings and winter advisories remain possible across the Upper Midwest.
