Green Bay, Wisconsin – An extreme blast of arctic air is locked over Wisconsin, driving wind chills to dangerously low levels and creating life-threatening exposure risks through Sunday morning. This is the coldest stretch of the season so far for much of the state, with conditions turning especially severe overnight.
Wind chills are expected to bottom out between 25 and 35 below zero across northern and northeastern Wisconsin, including Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Marinette, Oconto, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Brown, and Winnebago counties. At these levels, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes. The most dangerous window runs late tonight through early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service office in Green Bay, Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday for far northern counties and until 10 a.m. Sunday for much of central and eastern Wisconsin. Communities affected include Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Wausau, Rhinelander, Eagle River, Marinette, Oconto, Shawano, Stevens Point, Manitowoc, and Wisconsin Rapids.
Travelers on I-41, I-43, U.S. 51, and Highway 29 should be prepared for brutal cold, especially if vehicles break down or if waiting for assistance. According to emergency management officials, residents should avoid non-essential travel, dress in multiple insulating layers, and fully cover exposed skin with hats, gloves, and face protection. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable in these conditions.
The prolonged cold will also strain heating systems and increase risks for pipes and pets. Pets should be kept indoors, exposed plumbing protected, and space heaters used carefully with clear space around them. Neighbors without reliable heat should be checked on before temperatures fall further.
Wind chills slowly improve Sunday afternoon, but cold air remains entrenched into early next week across Wisconsin.
