Brutal Arctic Blast Slams Minnesota as Twin Cities Face Dangerous -25°F Wind Chills and Subzero Lows
MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — A harsh wave of Arctic air is gripping the Upper Midwest today, driving wind chills across the Twin Cities down to a dangerous -20°F to -25°F and creating life-threatening conditions for anyone outdoors. The National Weather Service warns that the brutal cold will persist through early Thursday, bringing one of the coldest stretches so far this season.
Wind Chills Near -25°F Create Dangerous Conditions Across Minnesota
The National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen office has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for central and southern Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin. Subzero temperatures combined with gusty northwest winds are producing extreme wind chills that can cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Rural areas will see lows around -10°F or colder, and even during the daytime, highs will struggle to reach the mid-teens, offering little relief from the Arctic plunge.
Light Snow Possible Thursday Night Into Friday
By Thursday evening, cloud cover increases as a weak disturbance moves into the region. This system may produce light snow late Thursday into Friday, with accumulations under an inch.
While totals will remain low, the combination of bitter cold and falling snow could create:
- Brief slick spots on roads
- Reduced visibility during the Friday commute
- Ice formation almost immediately due to extreme temperatures
Drivers along I-35, I-94, and local roads should prepare for rapidly freezing surfaces.
Cold Weekend Ahead With a Slight Warm-Up by Sunday
The weekend stays cold but slightly more manageable. Forecast highs include:
- Near 20°F on Saturday
- Upper 20s by Sunday
Despite the modest warm-up, meteorologists warn that another Arctic push could return early next week, extending the early-December chill across Minnesota.
Residents Urged To Limit Outdoor Exposure
Officials advise residents to take precautions as the bitter cold intensifies:
- Dress in multiple insulating layers
- Cover exposed skin
- Bring pets indoors
- Check on vulnerable neighbors
- Keep emergency kits in vehicles
- Drive cautiously on icy or untreated roads
This level of cold can escalate into a dangerous situation very quickly.
5-Day Outlook for Minneapolis–St. Paul (Dec. 3–7)
Thursday: Increasing clouds, high 16°F, low 11°F
Friday: Chance of snow, high 28°F, low 11°F
Saturday: Partly sunny, high 20°F, low 5°F
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F, low 3°F
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F, low 13°F
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