Major Arctic Outbreak Expected to Slam Minnesota and the Upper Midwest as New Maps Show Extreme Temperature Crash Into Next Weekend
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A powerful arctic outbreak is taking aim at Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, with new forecasting maps showing temperature anomalies plunging more than 20 degrees below normal next weekend. Meteorologists warn that this may be one of the most severe cold events of the season, and many forecasts may be underestimating how intense the drop will be.
New Ensemble Maps Reveal Expanding Zone of Extreme Cold
Fresh data from the ECMWF EPS 5-day ensemble mean, valid December 11–15, shows a massive pool of deep purple and violet shading over Minnesota — the center of the coldest anomalies in the country.
These values, ranging from -15°F to -22°F below average, signal a surge of very dense arctic air that will spread outward across the Central U.S.
The coldest core sits over:
- Minnesota
- Northern Iowa
- Wisconsin
- Eastern Dakotas
Meteorologists tracking the outbreak say these departures are rarely seen outside mid-winter events, underscoring the potential severity of what’s coming.
Forecasters Warn Many Are Underpredicting the Severity
Early commentary from weather experts suggests that most models and public forecasts are not yet fully capturing the depth of this cold, because they may not be considering the key parameters highlighted in the ensemble maps.
Indicators such as:
- Deep-layer atmospheric energy
- Long-duration arctic high pressure
- Strong northerly flow
…all point to a cold blast that could be worse than currently advertised.
One analyst cautioned: “It’s only going to get worse.”
Minnesota Could Face Its Coldest Air Since February
If current projections hold, Minnesota may see its coldest temperatures in nearly 10 months.
Daytime highs could remain well below freezing, while overnight lows and wind chills could plunge into the single digits or below-zero range, especially across central and northern parts of the state.
Similar impacts are expected across Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, and parts of the Great Lakes.
Residents Urged to Prepare Early
Though the exact numbers will become clearer in coming days, the overall pattern is strong enough for meteorologists to urge caution. The combination of extreme anomalies, persistent cold, and wind-driven Arctic air means:
- Heating demand will spike
- Roads may freeze rapidly
- Outdoor conditions could become hazardous
- Vulnerable populations should prepare now
More updates are expected as meteorologists release additional maps throughout the week.
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