The Twin Cities faces a dangerous and potentially life threatening cold snap this weekend as Arctic air plunges temperatures well below zero and sends wind chills to extreme levels. Saturday emerged as one of the coldest days of the entire winter season, with actual temperatures barely climbing above zero and wind gusts creating feels like conditions ranging from 20 to 30 below zero across the metro area. A cold weather advisory remains in effect for all of Minnesota until 10 a.m. Sunday, warning residents that wind chills between minus 25 and minus 35 create hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended periods outdoors. Northwestern Minnesota faces even harsher conditions, with an extreme cold warning issued until noon Saturday for wind chills approaching minus 40 degrees. At these temperatures, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, making even brief outdoor activities potentially dangerous.
Saturday Afternoon Wind Chills Peak Near Minus 20
Wind chills peaked near minus 20 degrees Saturday afternoon, creating conditions where frostbite can set in on exposed skin within 25 to 30 minutes. The Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport recorded temperatures of minus 10 degrees on the morning of December 14, while some areas across the region saw readings as low as minus 22 degrees. Further north, conditions became even more severe, with Fargo, North Dakota experiencing temperatures of minus 29 degrees. Clear skies Saturday night allowed temperatures to plummet even further for Sunday morning, with wind chills expected to drop as low as minus 30 in the Twin Cities. Residents throughout the state should prepare for frigid conditions by keeping pets indoors whenever possible, checking on elderly family members and neighbors, and ensuring portable heaters are used safely.
Sunday Brings Slight Relief Before Warmup Begins
Sunday offers marginal improvement compared to Saturday’s brutal conditions, though temperatures still remain dangerously cold throughout most of the day. Temperatures are expected to climb above zero late Sunday as winds pick up out of the south, keeping wind chills in the teens below zero during afternoon hours. Despite feeling slightly less severe than Saturday, Sunday afternoon conditions still create feels like temperatures around 10 below zero, requiring continued caution for outdoor activities. The cold weather advisory expires at 10 a.m. Sunday, after which a gradual warming trend begins taking hold across the region. Monday brings more significant relief, with temperatures rebounding into the upper 20s accompanied by sunshine that carries over from the weekend. Temperatures continue climbing mid week, reaching the upper 30s with a slight chance for rain or snow showers late Wednesday into Thursday.
