Brutal Arctic Surge to Hit Minnesota Sunday Morning, With Temperatures Up to 40 Degrees Below Normal Across the Upper Midwest

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — A dangerously intense Arctic air mass is set to slam Minnesota on Sunday morning, with temperatures forecast to plunge 30 to 40 degrees below normal, according to the latest GFS anomaly model. The core of the cold outbreak is centered directly over Minnesota and western Wisconsin, spreading outward across Iowa, Michigan, and the Dakotas.

Meteorologists warn that this could become the sharpest cold anomaly of the early winter season, bringing subzero wind chills, hazardous morning travel, and widespread impacts across the Upper Midwest.

Model Shows Extreme Cold Concentrated Over Minnesota

The temperature anomaly map highlights Minnesota as the epicenter of the Arctic plunge:

• –30° to –40°F below normal centered over Minneapolis–St. Paul
• Severe anomalies expanding into Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota
• Large portions of the Great Lakes region falling into the –15° to –25°F range

This pattern forms when the jet stream dips sharply, allowing dense polar air to spill southward into the Upper Midwest.

Sunday Morning to Bring Dangerous Wind Chills

With the coldest air arriving early Sunday, residents should expect:

• Wind chills well below zero in Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Hard freezes across Iowa and the Dakotas
• Icy road conditions, especially where snow recently fell
• High heating demand, increasing risks of furnace strain
• Frostbite in as little as 15–20 minutes during early-morning exposure

Fresh snowpack across parts of the region will intensify overnight cooling and worsen early-morning conditions.

Impact on Concertgoers, Touring Artists, and Music Venues

Extreme cold often disrupts weekend entertainment plans — especially in winter-sensitive regions like Minnesota:

• Fans attending shows in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Madison may face dangerous wind chills during travel
• Tour buses and equipment trucks could encounter mechanical issues in subzero conditions
• Load-ins and venue operations may slow due to frozen surfaces and temperature-sensitive gear
• Smaller venues may experience reduced turnout or delayed start times

Artists touring through Minneapolis, Des Moines, or Milwaukee this weekend may need to adjust schedules accordingly.

A Harsh Arctic Start to December for Minnesota

Forecasters warn that additional cold waves may follow, keeping Minnesota and the Upper Midwest in a volatile early-winter pattern. Sunday’s outbreak marks one of the largest negative temperature departures seen so far this season.

How cold is it getting in your part of Minnesota or the Midwest? Share your experience and stay connected with more weather updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.