Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota Expected to See Dangerous Subzero Temperatures as Arctic Surge Drops Lows to –27°F Across Northern Plains
MINNESOTA — Northern Plains Brace for One of the Coldest Temperature Drops of the Season, A powerful Arctic surge is set to sweep across the Northern Plains, bringing life-threatening cold to Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Forecasts show temperatures falling as low as –27°F near the Minnesota–Iowa–South Dakota border early Sunday, marking the coldest reading in the nation during this outbreak.
The deep freeze is expected to expand rapidly, delivering subzero lows to more than 31 million people across 19 states through Monday.
How Cold Will It Get? New Maps Show Extreme Temperature Lows
The latest national temperature graphic shows a wide swath of extreme cold across the northern United States:
Below 0°F Zone — The Core of the Arctic Blast
- Minnesota: –27°F to –10°F
- South Dakota: –25°F to –22°F
- North Dakota: –17°F
- Iowa: –10°F to 2°F
- Wisconsin & Michigan: –11°F to 5°F
These temperatures are cold enough to freeze exposed skin in minutes, prompting concerns about travel, livestock, and overnight safety.
Below-Freezing Air Spreads Deep Into the Midwest and East
The Arctic air expands far beyond the Plains, pushing freezing temperatures into:
0°F to 10°F Range
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Northern Missouri
- Western Pennsylvania
10°F to 20°F Range
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- North Carolina
20°F to 30°F Range
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Southern Missouri
- Southern Appalachians
Even parts of the Deep South will feel the cold, with lows in the 20s and 30s.
Cold Arrives Fast and Hits Hard: Travel and Safety Risks Rising
The sharp temperature drop may create:
- Dangerous wind chills across Minnesota and the Dakotas
- Rapid freeze-ups on untreated roads
- Burst pipe risks due to prolonged subzero temperatures
- Stress on livestock and agriculture
- Visibility issues if wind accompanies light snow in open areas
Communities across the Northern Plains are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure during the coldest hours of Sunday and Monday.
Temperature Contrast Highlights Strength of Arctic Air Mass
While the northern U.S. freezes, the southern tier — including Texas, Florida, and southern California — remains much warmer.
This dramatic north–south contrast is a hallmark of strong Arctic outbreaks and helps drive the rapid southward plunge of cold air.
Cold Persists Through Monday Before Gradual Warming
The coldest conditions are expected Sunday morning into Monday, with below-zero readings lingering through early week. Temperatures may moderate slightly mid-week, but many areas will remain colder than normal.
Residents across Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota should prepare for one of the harshest cold waves yet this season.
Stay Updated With ChicagoMusicGuide.com
ChicagoMusicGuide.com will continue tracking the Arctic blast as it moves across the country. Check back for updated temperature forecasts and regional impact reports.